Edna finds friends on the fairways at 73

Edna Bennett has achieved her first handicap at the age of 73 proving you’re never too old to take up golf. Edna, a retired PE teacher, has been interested in golf for many years. She lives close to a golf course and her daughter, Sarah, took advantage of this to learn the game, becoming a Ladies European Tour professional for over 20 years, competing worldwide before concentrating on her coaching. But although Edna encouraged Sarah, introduced school pupils to the game and actually belonged to a golf club for many years, she didn’t get started as a player until she was over 70.

Edna commented, “I didn’t have much time and when I first started there were not as many opportunities for new players as there are now, which made it difficult.” She decided to postpone her golfing ambitions until she retired, but this plan was abandoned when she hurt her back in a boating accident. “That was the end of golf, I thought.”

But her interest was reawakened when Sarah became increasingly involved with her coaching and took on the role of PGA head teaching professional at Three Rivers Golf & Country Club. “Sarah offered a structured beginners’ golf programme, which is very popular with the ladies, which I decided to join. I started a couple of years ago and was awarded my first ever handicap last summer.” said Edna.

Friendliness is one of the key attractions of the club for Edna. “I now play abroad and in the UK and I belong to a lovely, friendly club – as soon as you walk in someone says ‘hi’ – there is so much on offer there.”

Pictured from left: Edna Bennett and playing partner Julie Williams