Trio of brothers bond on the links at Delco Senior Games
UPPER PROVIDENCE » Seniors gathered for a summer solstice round of golf at Paxon Hollow Country Club Wednesday as the Delaware County Senior Games continued into its second week of play.
Ninety-degree temperatures didn’t dissuade golfers from enjoying the links, as a trio of brothers continued a lifelong ritual based around the game their father taught them to love.
“We’ve been playing together for years and years, since we were kids, and here we are,” said Norm Kropp, 71, who joined with brothers Kenn Kropp and Walter Kropp on a team. They have been playing since they were in their teens.
“Some of the fun memories was playing with our father. He would always say, ‘Okay, great shot, but do you want to step it up a little bit?’” Norm Kropp laughed. “He taught us to play golf.”
They started young as caddies at Llanerch Country Club.
“That’s where we learned the game,” Norm said. “There and through our father. He’s no longer with us, but we’re still out here doing it.”
Their father, Peter Kropp, was a huge fan of arguably one of the greatest golfers to ever play the game.
“He was a big fan of Ben Hogan,” Norm Kropp said. “To this day I have Ben Hogan pictures in my office.”
Kenn said the game no matter your age remains one you battle against yourself.
“It’s all your head, it’s a mental game that takes place between the ears,” Ken Kropp said. “It’s a game of rhythm and flow. Just keep your head down and hit the ball.”