By Alesha Capone
Doug McQualter is feeling ace after scoring below his age during a game of golf at the Sanctuary Lakes Club.
In golf, an “age shooter” – someone whose score matches or beats their age – is a rarity.
Mr McQualter, who is 85, scored 81 while playing at the Lakes’ 18-hole course earlier this month.
He said he achieved the score while playing with a group of veterans, aged 55 years and above, who visit the Sanctuary Lakes course every Monday.
“It’s my best result for about 20 years,” he said.
“Bloody oath – I want to break 80 next.”
Mr McQualter said he believed there were a couple of reasons behind his great score – one being his new set of golf clubs, which are all the same length.
As well, Mr McQualter, who swims and goes to the gym two to three times a week, has recently started doing some different weight-lifting exercises to help strengthen
his arms.
Mr McQualter played his fist game of golf at the age of 15, at the Royal Park Golf Course, with his friend, Bob Dennison, whom he still regularly tees off with.
“I’ve played golf ever since,” Mr McQualter said. “Golf is a game you can play through your whole life – it keeps you mentally and physically fit.
“It’s a game where age is no barrier, your ability is no barrier and your sex is no barrier. Having a handicap means everyone can be competitive.”
