CHAPTER 6 Seniors Golf


“Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.” Robert Browning


T


HE establishment of Seniors Sections in the Golf Clubs of the West of England in the early 60’s was brilliant in conception and has proved an unqualified


success. Tey have provided an interest in life for the retired, and in these days of early retirement almost a lifeline. On retirement one becomes a nobody overnight, so the company of a body of fellow nobodies is a very reassuring thing. For many, the Seniors provide a fellowship not experienced since the days of World War II. It would be wrong to paint the affairs of the Seniors as all sweetness and light,


there are jealousies and disagreements, mostly trivial, and in the long run, regarded as such, even by the protagonists. However, the Seniors regard themselves firstly as Club Members. To this end they are most supportive of all the aims and objectives of the Club. Te over-riding requirement for a Seniors Section is to ensure that its members


have an enjoyable time - matches, competitions, and social functions should all be devoted to this end. Golf should be played in a good spirit, above all it should be fun. Winning is important but friendship is more so. Te Seniors Section is a band of like-minded people. Most have been experts


in their own field and can provide advice on anything from Anatomy to Zoology, largely unsolicited! One of the great advantages for the Seniors is the opportunity to play in


matches and Opens on other courses for no fee or a minimal entry fee. In this way one learns by comparison the advantages of Long Ashton as a Course and enlarges one’s acquaintance. Similarly, by joining the Seniors one gets to know and enjoy a wider circle of friends within the Club.


LONG ASHTON SENIORS SECTION A meeting was called on 9th October 1962 to consider forming a “Seniors


Society’’. Tis pioneering venture was among the first, if not the first, to be formed in the West Country. Many Clubs including Long Ashton had veterans competitions for the fiſty-fives and over but none had organised Seniors Sections as such. Tis meeting was chaired by Joe Bennett, Sid Gray was appointed


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