Ninetyyearold Charlie Rockliffe has an unequalled passion for golf and plays 18 holes twice a week!
By Glen Atwell
WHEN it comes to the ancient game, Charlie Rockliffe is passion personified.
The 90yearold Garfield Golf Club identity loves golf more than anything and still manages to play a round or two every week.
Despite his age, Mr Rockliffe is no slouch with the club and has won a number of club competitions.
A member of Garfield for about six years, Mr Rockliffe took up golf when he retired and moved with his late wife Jean to Bermagui, a small fishing town on the NSW coast.
“We lived there for about 20 years, it’s a lovely town and was the first time in my life that I had time to play, pity I never took it up sooner,” he said.
“One of my best rounds up there was a plus 10 in a par event.”
Mr Rockliffe would love to have a swing every day of the week but admits his age is slowing him down … just a little.
“I used to play three times a week, now it’s normally twice.
“I had a fall last week and split my head open, but still managed to get out onto the course on Saturday,” Mr Rockliffe said.
That’s passion.
The keen swinger uses a motorised buggy to get around the golf course.
“I love golf and get out there on Thursdays and of course Saturdays,” he said.
“I’ve made it to 90 and can still get out for a game – what more could you ask for?”
Mr Rockliffe described Garfield Golf Club as a superb course with wonderful people.
“It’s a great group of people down at the club, everyone knows everyone and they all look after me,” he said.
“They still get stuck into me after I have a bad round.”
But that doesn’t happen too often.
“My handicap is 36, but I’ve never hit a hole in one – that is still on my todo list,” he said.
Mr Rockliffe has a distinct passion for the game some describe as a “spoilt walk”.
“I love the game, I still drive down to the club for a game and still play the full 18 holes.
“And I intend to keep doing so for a while longer,” Mr Rockliffe said.
