Veteran Eric shows the way

ERIC SMITH - oldest Werneth competitor

VETERAN golfer Eric Smith has not been bunkered by age as the 83-year-old, from Hathershaw, recently proved by beating the club’s top players in a medal competition.

And the only disappointment for Eric was that he did not shoot his age as he finished with a gross 84 for a nett 61.

Eric, who is believed to be the oldest member playing competitive golf at Werneth, also scored his first hole-in-one last year at the 10th.

Despite the advancing years, Eric recently saw his handicap drop a shot to 22 after his latest triumph.

Eric, who once played off 12, is a well-known figure at Werneth where he usually plays four times each week.

And he says he would recommend golf to other retired people as he reckons it helps keep him young at heart and active.

Eric, a retired self-employed builder, explained: “It is good exercise and gets me out and about rather than sitting in the house by myself as I am a widower.

“I don’t know why more retired people don’t take up golf - I would recommend it.”

Eric, a keen amateur rugby league player in his younger days, began playing golf in his early forties when a friend took him for a round on the municipal course at Heaton Park.

He has since been a member at Brookdale and Werneth, only winning a couple of minor club competitions.

But Eric says that still being able to take part is the main aim - and he intends to continue walking the fairways of the Garden Suburb course for as long as he is able.