JUST days shy of his 92nd birthday, Ipswich golfer Peter Roache has stunned fellow players by nailing a hole-in-one – his eighth – proving age is just a number when you’ve got a killer swing.
The nonagenarian pulled off the jaw-dropping shot during a competition round on the notoriously tricky 135-metre, par-three 14th at Ipswich Golf Course.
“I’ve always loved the exercise and the social side that comes with golf,” Mr Roache said.
“I’ve had four hole-in-ones socially and four in competition – with witnesses,” he added with a laugh.
Playing off a handicap of 20, his latest achievement was met with excitement and admiration from fellow golfers at the Leichhardt course.
“I play out here five or six times a week, and seeing Pete get that hole-in-one was just fantastic,” said regular player Bruce Carter.
“He’s an amazing person, and this is something worth celebrating. Pete is still incredibly fit for his age.”
Mr Roache’s love of golf spans nearly seven decades, and his commitment to the game has earned him many accolades.
At 65, he played off a handicap of 4 and claimed the Queensland Veteran Championship.
“That in itself is incredible – a handicap of 4 at that age,” Mr Carter said.
Originally from Gayndah, Mr Roache moved to Ipswich in 1940 and has been part of the local community ever since.
Golf is a family affair, with all three of his sons playing at Ipswich Golf Club.
When Local Ipswich News spoke with Mr Roache, he had just finished another round.
Asked how he went, he laughed.
“Terribly. I think I finished about six over my handicap,” he said.
As for the secret to a long, active life? Mr Roache puts it down to keeping moving and staying engaged with sport.
“I do a lot of walking – about half an hour a day – and I’ve always been sports-minded.
“Staying fit makes all the difference.”
Mr Roache’s achievements continue to inspire fellow golfers and seniors, proving that passion for sport can last a lifetime and that living every day with your health in mind is the real goal.
