Old golfer story

[MashieNiblick]

Didn't want to hijack the other thread but just wanted to post a little story from when I ended up behind a very old and slow player at my club a few years back.

He was pottering along on his own, just batting it a hundred yards or so up the fairway each time and was the epitome of courtesy as he offered to let me through. In fact we played up that particular hole together and got talking.

Lovely chap, turned out that in the 39-45 war he'd served as an advance reconnaissance officer in the far east (Burma or Malaya) parachuting behind Japanese lines ahead of allied attacks and radioing back info to the advancing troops.

I don't think I have ever felt so humble in my life. It was a privilege to share a fairway with that man.

 

[CMAC]

Nice story. Just shows you have no idea who is in front and looks are always deceiving.

I met a chap who wouldn't talk about his war experience but his family told me he worked at Bletchley Park with enigma and used to decipher churchills mail, the old soul would never talk about it as he had signed the official secrets act, lovely man, he passed last year, R.I.P

 

[Whee]

I wish more of these heroes would put more of their memoirs onto paper for us whippersnappers. We are so grateful for the sacrifices they made, and we'd love to hear/read more of their tales of life in combat.

It would knock the rocks off any of that Andy McNab garbage.

Nice story Mashie. I imagine part of you wanted to spend the rest of the round with him as well.

 

[stevie_r]

I'm fortunate enough to live in a veterans cottage within the grounds of Erskine Hospital and am therefore in daily contact with some fairly aged veterans who reside within the hospital itself. It's quite humbling to think that these guys were literally fighting for this countries very survival even before my birth.

 

[Hobbit]

Our "hero" is no longer at the club. He served with the SBS, and was one of the first through the gates of Changi prison. A gentleman golfer, and we're worse for him not being with us.

And, a few weeks ago I played with a guy who was on leave from Afgan. He is a level headed, grounded sort of guy and a great role model for the other young guys at the club.

Age isn't a barrier to good behaviour.

 

[Dreamer2]

i also like to hear story's from the older generation living in the time when you may not be alive the following day

it must be the older rich business people that are arrogant & just don't want to let you play through

 

[shivas irons]

Great story...ive met many people ive been humbled with on a golf course.I caddied for an American on the European seniors tour,he was without doubt one of those few people you meet who inspire you and make you take a good look at yourself.........

 

[JustOne]

He was pottering along on his own, just batting it a hundred yards or so up the fairway each time and was the epitome of courtesy as he offered to let me through.

What if he hadn't called you through because he was stuck up his own ass and thought he owned the place exclusively to himself? Horses for courses Mashie. Seems like a top bloke though in this case... there were some brave guys fighting on our side.. that's why we won!

 

[Liverbirdie]

I played a matchplay comp against a fella about 2 years ago. Walking onto the 6th tee, I asked if he was ok, as he was limping a bit, he said in a very blase manner, oh just an old war wound. He showed me his leg where he had two bullet wounds. He had fought in the Falklands conflict, as a paratrooper.

Cracking fella and one of our heroes.