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Golf

 
 

Golf

Age Cymru takes a look at why golf is such a popular sport.  Read our interview with keen golfer Ken Richards.

 
Ken Richards is 68-years old, lives in Cardiff and has been playing golf for over 40 years. Age Cymru recently spoke to Ken about why he likes to play golf.
How did you get started with golf, Ken?
“I’ve been playing golf for 40 years and I took it up when I was about 21–years-old. My father played golf and he encouraged me to take it up, but I wish I’d taken it up at an earlier age - say eight or nine years old, but golf was very elitist back then.
“I encouraged my son to play golf when he was nine, and now he’s a very good golfer, and I play with him in the Cock of the North winter competition at our local club."
Why do you like golf so much?

“I like the venues where you play golf. Golf clubs are nice places to enjoy your sport and there are particular golf clubs that you enjoy playing. I enjoy the exercise and the fresh air and playing good shots at golf is very satisfying. There’s no better feeling than playing a good shot and seeing the ball disappear against a blue sky.”

“I like golf because of the enjoyment it gives me and it’s a healthy pastime. You may be playing an opponent, but in reality you’re playing against the course and it’s a game you can discuss with your friends. Different people get different things out of golf."
 
Is it true that golf is a good way to make friends and socialise?

“Social golf is about playing with your mates and you invariably end up talking about the rugby or political affairs – and I know some people will disagree with me on this, but the quality of the golf is not the important thing.

“The Winter Cocks Competition – at our club we play it over 14 holes, and then we all meet up in the bar. It’s played from October through to March on Sunday mornings, and it’s something I look to very much every week. Everybody ends up in the bar, and we have raffles to raise funds for charity. It’s a very good way for new members to meet and greet other members and to make friends."

Why do people take up golf after they retire?

“A lot of people when they retire are looking for recreation and they take up golf, but people who have already played golf before their retirement, tend to play more golf and get their handicaps down.

“There’s a veteran’s society at our club and everyone is very friendly and you have a range of competitions for veterans – we play other veterans from other clubs, and it’s good team game and great way to meet new people – sometimes you meet people you’ve known for a long time, but you didn’t realise that they played for a particular club.”
 

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Age Cymru, Tŷ John Pathy, 13/14 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff CF24 5PJ. Registered charity number 1128436. Registered company number 6837284. © Age UK Group and/or its National Partners (Age NI, Age Scotland and Age Cymru) 2010. All Rights Reserved

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