Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Oldest swinger in town
Golf key to long life says Myf, 98, after 70yrs at same club
LIFELONG PASSION Myf in 1955
THE oldest golfer in Britain still plays twice a week at the age of 98 and says her sport is the secret to a long life.
Great-gran Myfanwy Wigdahl has been an active member at the same club for 70 years and says she could not imagine an existence without golf.
She recalled taking up the game to avoid being a “golf widow” but said her club has been a “godsend” for her since husband Alan died a decade ago.
Myfanwy, known as Myf to friends at Sand Moor Golf Club in Leeds, said she initially joined him as a member at nearby Roundhay in the 1940s:
“I was determined not to become a widow to golf so I decided to play too,” she went on. “I don’t now remember my first hole.
“Learning took me a while. I wasn’t great but my husband was and he used to be my teacher. I love playing and I’ve really enjoyed my 70 years at Sand Moor.
“I lost Alan nearly 11 years ago but the club’s ladies are wonderful and really supportive, a godsend in fact.”
She added: “I’ve never hit a hole in one but I still have a few more years to get it.”
Myf, who was born in Anglesey, was a lorry driver in the Women’s Auxiliary Air
Force during the Second World War. She said: “Everyone from my era has sadly passed away. Even though I’m very healthy and still do my own shopping I do feel a bit old at times seeing the good young players at my club.”
Myf, whose best-ever handicap has been a relatively high 23, added: “We have brilliant girls who are better than I’ve ever been – like Lily Dunn, who is 16 and has a 14 handicap.
“She has been playing since she was just a little kid, so even with my 70 years’ experience I don’t know if I could teach her anything.”
Myf ’s son Gareth said her social life revolved around the club, where she was lady captain and won at least six trophies.
He added: “Mum knows many people at the club but sadly a lot of her very good friends have passed away. She now plays about five to seven holes twice a week, weather permitting.
“She says keeping fit and having her regular gin and tonic at 5pm each day is vital to staying alive.”
Current Sand Moor lady captain Sue Mcmeeking said: “Myf is an inspiration – a great character and full of energy.”
She added: “Golf is a great way of keeping fit, meeting friends and having fun.”
I’ve never had a hole in one but I still have a few years to get it MYF WIGDAHL ON HER BIG GOLFING AMBITION