Katikati resident Bob Hoggard is no stranger to the Waihi Golf course – nor is he a stranger to his fair share of good days and bad days on the green.

Last week he definitely enjoyed a good day. The nonagenarian gained an outstanding achievement on the first day of the Waihi Golf Club Vets Section's annual Summerset Two Day Tournament.

The 94-year-old shot a gross 89!

'It is recognised to play under your age is one thing, but to be five shots under is almost unheard off,” says Waihi Golf Club press officer Rodger Bagshaw.

Bob is a little more modest.

'Well, I don't know about that,” says Bob.

'I was averaging well that day."

Bob has been a member of the club since 1970 – only 52 years.

'From time to time I have a good run,” says Bob, who gets out on the course two-three days a week.

Katikati 94-year-old Bob Hoggard at prizegiving. Photo: Rodger Bagshaw.

Why play golf at 94?

'I find the game fascinating, and I'm still fit enough play.”

Wife Nan Hoggard says while she doesn't want to inflate his ego too much, her husband is a little too modest sometimes.

'He's had five holes-in-one on the Waihi course – on all four Par three holes including twice on the 13th hole.”

Nan says Bob uses a golf cart to get around the course these days, and she's glad he's still out there.

'He has his moments of glory.”

Bob reckons he's just like every other golfer.

'I've had my fair shares of success and failures on the green. But I like golf and I am glad I can keep at it – as I've just about given up on fishing.”

Last week's two tournament went ahead in good conditions despite a doubtful forecast, says Rodger.

'A good sized field took part with more than 30 visitors from 14 different clubs.”

The winners of the Waihi Beach Salvers for the overall best nett were Megan Jowsey (135) for the ladies, and Phil McHugh (140) for the men. The tournament was run in three divisions, with the above winning their divisions, and Jim Evans winning Division Two. Winners of the Stableford competition were in Division One: Anke Hermannsdorfer, with Ken Purcell runner-up. In Division Two, Helen Baynes, with Peter Hewitt runner-up. And in Division Three: Bob Hoggard first, Kathy Ashton runner-up.

Rodger says Bob being 10 stableford points better than his handicap 'may see a handicap adjustment to make it more difficult to achieve a similar score in the near future”.

They did, by three shots, to 24.