A KEEN golfer has been celebrated by his generous golf club… which he joined 70 years ago.

Gordon Rodgers joined Colchester Golf Club when he was 15 after finding some “very old” wooden golf clubs in his parents’ shed.

Gordon, who is originally from Wickersley, South Yorkshire, but relocated to Colchester during the Second World War, is still an active member of the club, playing once a week through the winter and a few times a week in the warmer months.

Recalling his early memories of the sport, the 85-year-old said: “I’m left-handed and used to play a lot of cricket with left-handed bats, but you couldn’t get a good set of left-handed golf clubs then, so I learned to adjust my grip and still play with right-handed clubs now.”

Family and friends delighted Gordon with a surprise party at the golf club last Saturday in celebration of his 70th year of membership.

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The golfer explained: “I was on my way to play golf with my wife, but I got to the club house and it was full of people. It was a complete surprise to me.

“I was given a lovely, engraved bowl and a letter from the club secretary saying I had no more membership fees to pay right up until I decide to stop playing.”

Gordon, who has lived on Inglis Road, Lexden, for over 50 years, encourages anyone who fancies a go at the sport to just “go for it”.

He chuckled as he said: “It’s one of those games that you can play in all weathers, but maybe not while it pours down like this, and you can play into old age.

“Golf is good for your health. Lots of walking is involved, you get to talk to friends and socialise, and it can be competitive.”

John, Gordon’s son, spoke at the surprise event, describing the fond memories he had of spending time with his father at the club when he was a junior member.

But Gordon said that his son, now 48, could easily beat him now despite no longer playing much himself.

He added: “I’ve never thought about joining another club and I plan to play for at least another three or four years.”