Veteran golfer Geoff Downey shoots score lower than his age

VETERAN golfer Geoff Downey ticked one ambition of his bucket list when he shot a score lower than his age at the Vines Golf Club.

13-6-15 - Veteran golfer Geoff Downey, 83, hit 80 off the stick at the Vines golf course last week. His house backs onto the course and he's been playing at the Vines for 43 years. Pic Simon Cross

GEOFF Downey’s back gate opens onto the fourth green at the Vines Golf Club of Reynella, where he has been a fixture for the best part of 43 years.

“I’ve trod on every blade of grass there,” Downey jokes.

One thing the veteran golfer had not done at the course until this month was shoot a score lower than his age.

Downey, 83, managed it during a Stableford event on June 6 when he hit 80 off the stick.

“It’s on everybody’s bucket list to beat their age,” Downey says.

“We had a quiet round of drinks afterwards.

“I don’t have to drive home – I just walk up to the fourth.”

Downey, who plays off a 15 handicap, attributes striking the ball better than usual and terrific conditions for his performance.

“Every golfer has their day, the trouble is trying to repeat it the next time.

“On that day everything fell into place for me.”

Downey, of Happy Valley, is on the course with mates a few times a week and also volunteers in the club’s rose garden.

“I’m certainly hitting them shorter and my backswing doesn’t go anywhere near as far.

“But the advantage of that is I can’t get in too many mistakes when it’s up at the top of the swing.”

Originally from Melbourne, Downey played football for West Torrens and missed its 1953 premiership after being dropped for the grand final.

Later, he played in flags with West Torrens’ B grade, South Whyalla and Tasmanian club Georgetown.

“Footy is easier than golf because if you have a bad day at footy, you can blame your teammates. There’s nowhere to hide in golf.”

Downey, who has won the club’s B grade match play championship three times and is nicknamed “Honest”, hopes to keep playing for as long as he can.

“It’s very enjoyable ... and I’ve played with some fantastic people.”