A hole in one!

One of our lovely clients, Geoff, popped in to the office this week for a cup of coffee and a chocolate biscuit. We had a good old chat and helped put the world to rights. Geoff has had a lifelong passion for golf and we took the opportunity to delve a little deeper in to his memories…

When did your love for the game begin?

“My father was a very keen golfer and played whenever he could on the courses around our Surrey home and particularly at Banstead Downs Golf Club. When I was about nine or ten years old he began to take me with him every now and again. To begin with I would just walk the course with him while he played. But when he saw that I was starting to show a strong interest in the game he bought me a junior set of golf clubs. I continued to play golf for the next 75 years! In fact, the only interruption to my enjoyment of the game came with the Second World War. I was stationed in India for much of the time and didn’t have access to a golf course. I had to make do with hockey and cricket. Fortunately, I love those games too.”

So you resumed playing golf when you left the army?

“I certainly did. I continued to play on the courses around my home in Cheam. In 1951, not long after I married my wonderful wife Daphne, we moved to Potters Bar. I played the local public courses with my friend Ken but although I lived literally a 5 minute walk from Potters Bar Golf Club, we never played there. In the 1980’s we became members of a new golf club near Hatfield called Mill Green. We played at least once a week until my dear friend Ken died a few years ago. By this time I was 85 and decided it was time to put my golf clubs away for good.”

What is it that you love about golf Geoff?
“I have always enjoyed the challenge that golf presents. You have to play not only your opponent, but also the golf course itself. It’s a great way to enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise and spend time with good friends”.

So Geoff, were you any good at golf?

“At my best I had a handicap of 11, which is fairly decent. I wasn’t a particularly long hitter of the ball, but my short game was very good. I have always liked that quote from the American professional Bobby Locke – “you drive for show, but put for dough”.

Was there a professional golfer you particularly admired?

“I always followed the career of Tony Jacklin with great interest. He became the club professional at Potters Bar in the early sixties and it was thrilling when he won The Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 1969. But I must say that the lack of golf on the BBC these days is a disappointment - It’s all on Sky!”

Is there a golf course you regret never having had the chance to play?

“I would have loved the chance to play at Wentworth.”

Finally Geoff, did you ever achieve a hole in one?

“I came close a few times, but unfortunately the answer is no.”