John Laing is through to the final of the Romsey Golf Club’s shield that bears his name.
Laing, 83, has never won the shield that was named in his honour 30 years ago.
He will face Mick Nicholls jr in Saturday’s final.
Laing won through to the final by defeating Bob McLennan on the 19th hole.
A club stalwart, Laing has held just about every position possible at the club and is a long-time life member.
He said he would be embarrassed if he was to take home the trophy. He said he was surprised to even make the final.
“I’m an ordinary sort of golfer,” he said. “I play golf more for leisure and pleasure. I’ve won a few pairs medals and events, but not singles.
“I played all through the winter … with the wet greens and wind, players my age have difficultly hitting the ball as far.
“I used to play off 18 and it drifted to 22 to 24. With the winter conditions, it has gone over 30. With the weather getting better, I can hit it a bit easier. There’s a bit of luck involved.”
Laing said that while it would be nice to win the shield, at the end of the day it didn’t matter.
“As long as I play up to expectation I will be happy,” he said. “I want to play to the best of my ability.
“It’s a bit of an unusual position to be in. I didn’t even think I would qualify as it’s a knockout event.”
Despite his age, Laing has no plans of putting the clubs away any time soon.
“I play every week and I brought a cart last year to take the pressure off going around the course,” he said.
“I’ll keep playing as long as I enjoy it and I’m fit enough. I’ve been playing for 50-odd years. I feel lost on Saturdays if I’m not playing.”
Nicholls jr won through to the final by defeating Kevin Dunn one up.
In the club’s Saturday competition, Anthony Freeman took the win from Jim Patton and Scott Williams.
In the women’s knockout final, Elaine Scanlon defeated Jenny Hartley.
