This 93-year-old must have set a club golf record!
Marjorie Curtin managed something quite incredible when playing in a club medal at Carus Green Golf Club earlier this year
They always say golf’s a sport you can play from three to 103. Marjorie Curtin is proof of the point.
The Carus Green Golf Club owner scooped her club medal earlier this year – at 93-years-of-age. The retired primary school teacher shot a net two under in the tournament, which was a qualifier for England Golf’s Race to Woodhall Spa competition.
Off a Playing Handicap of 34, Marjorie shot a gross 104 – which included a net-eagle and eight net-birdies. Her overall net 70 saw her win the June event on countback over Janet Ingham with Avril Standing a shot further back. Both were more than 30 years Marjorie’s junior.
“I was astonished to win,” said the nonagenarian, whose World Handicap System Index is now 31.3. “Not going in the bunkers or water,” she quipped when asked about the highlights of her round.
Marjorie took up golf 50 years ago, when she was 43.
“My highlights have to be my hole-in-one at Workington Golf Club, as well as being lady captain of Kirkby Lonsdale and Casterton Golf Clubs, as well as playing in the Cecil Leitch League. It’s all been memorable.”
She added: “Golf is a sport that you can enjoy your whole life. It’s such a great sport for families to play together. After my son injured his knee playing rugby, we would hit a few balls on the field.
“Both my son and husband played, in fact, that’s why we bought Carus Green Golf Club in 2003 – we just loved playing golf.
“My husband Mike wanted everyone to have access to golf. Now my grandchildren play and it’s great to see their enthusiasm for the sport. What other sport can a 93-year-old play alongside their grandchildren aged 8 and 9?
“I’ll keep going for as long as I can. You make lifelong friends and meet people from all over the world. It keeps you fit, healthy, and is a great social game.”
Now have your say?
Do you know of any player who has won a club competition and is older than Marjorie? Why not let me know with a comment on X?
Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
