Golfer Willie (102) is oldest swinger in town

A member of Kirkintilloch Golf Club for an incredible 91 years, the local pensioner has lost none of his abilities on the tees, fairways and greens.

A video of a recent practice session posted by his son James attracted widespread attention on social media.

Willie was shown displaying the elegant swing which saw him reach a handicap of two when he played regularly.

People tweeted their admiration, with even golfing great Gary Player getting in on 
the act.

A youngster of just 80-years-old, Gary, who is regarded as one of the best players in the history of the game, sent Willie a message of congratulations.

Kirkintilloch Golf Club 
secretary Tom Cummings said: “The video even reached one of the game’s greatest 
players.

“Gary Player expressed the hope that he would still be swinging a golf club that well when he reached Willie’s age!”

The retired South African professionial won the 1965 US Open aged 29 and became the only non-American to win all four majors.

Willie’s proud grand-daughter Amy Cuthbert also tweeted her delight, posting: “Go on Papa C! Proud to call him my grandad!”

Willie joined Kirkintilloch Golf Club as a junior member way back in 1926 at the age of just 12-years-old.

He was introduced to the game by his father James, who was a founder member of the club.

Tom said: “The membership was a reward for passing his school exams.”

Remarkably, Willie is now in his 91st year of membership, an achievement which is attracting the attention of the Guinness Book of Records

Tom added: “The recorded longest-serving club member has attained a mere 82 years.”

Ninety-one-years later, Willie visited the course to hit some balls on the practice area.

He also got his putter out to demonstrate his still-enviable short game and chatted with fellow members.

Since the sprightly golfer stopped driving two years short of his 100th birthday, Willie doesn’t get the opportunity to get over to the club as often as he would like.

Tom said: “It was a pleasure for members present, including club captain Hazel Cunningham, to greet him.

“He took advantage of the spell of good weather by hitting a few shots on the practice area before showing he had lost none of his abilities on the putting green.

“Mrs Cunningham commented that Willie is an inspiration to everybody by showing us all that golf really is a game for life.”