Charles wants hole-in-one shot
Sir Bob Charles sank an impressive ten hole in ones during his career and now the ‘‘golden oldie’’ wants a shot at that million dollar hole.
The 1963 major open winner will line up in April as part of the Golden Oldies World Golf Festival in Christchurch, and wouldn’t say no to a shot at the $1 million hole which 20 lucky punters will get a crack at.
‘‘If they let me, you’ve got to qualify first,’’ he said.’’The chances are just as good for a golfer as a non golfer for a hole in one. The odds are certainly against it.
‘‘I’ve had 10, one was lucky. No, they were all lucky. Well some were good shots. Well they were all pretty good shots. I didn’t get them bouncing off trees or anything like that. One of them just bounced into the hole, off the fly.
‘‘It’s been quite a while since I’ve had one, so I’m due for another one. It must have been five or ten years. Perhaps I’m not playing enough par three holes.’’
Charles still plays a lot of golf. So living at Clearwater is ideal for the 81-year-old who, minus having lost a few yards in his long game, has lost very little - especially when it comes to his love for the game.
His major win (The Open) is his most memorable moment of his career, which spanned over five decades, but playing alongside James Bond actor Sean Connery at the Bing Crosby Classic pro-am was also a personal highlight.
Charles keeps a close eye on how Kiwi players are performing on the world stage, and on those coming up through the ranks.
While Lydia Ko had suffered a slump in her career this year, including losing her No 1 world ranking and Open last month, Charles believes we have not seen the last of the 20-year-old, who recently finished in a share of 22nd at the New Zealand Women’s Golf Open in Auckland.
‘‘She’s won a lot already and she’s got a great temperament. The only thing that probably holds her back is that she’s not a long hitter amongst the ladies, and I’ve noticed the longer hitters have taken over the LPGA in the United States.
‘‘Given a golf course that doesn’t require length off the tee, I think she has the opportunity to do well and she will continue winning the odd one or two. She got away to flying start, but it’s slowed down somewhat, and perhaps due to a little lack of distance.’’