87-year-old golfer makes hole-in-one at Chippewa Golf Club
Golfers compete in the final round of the 61st Yuengling Open at the Fort Myers Country Club in Fort Myers on Sunday, March 5, 2023. Fnp 20230305 Yuenlingopen 0048
Golfers compete in the final round of the 61st Yuengling Open at the Fort Myers Country Club in Fort Myers on Sunday, March 5, 2023. Fnp 20230305 Yuenlingopen 0048
Lee McFarland has not let old age stop him from pursuing his passion. What looked like an ordinary day quickly turned into one of the most viral moments for McFarland.
McFarland, a Toledo resident, headed to Chippewa Golf Club, located just outside the city, and played his usual 18-hole round. A shot from 135 yards out stole the show.
The 87-year-old landed a hole-in-one from 135 yards out. He struck his driver cleanly and hit the perfect shot. However, it was his celebration of the feat that caught the eye of millions on the internet.
Jun 11, 2014; Pinehurst, NC, USA; Silhouettes of golfers on the driving range during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Pinehurst No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2014; Pinehurst, NC, USA; Silhouettes of golfers on the driving range during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Pinehurst No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
McFarland commemorated the achievement with a photograph in which he posed holding the flagstick from the 15th hole in one hand, while clutching a cigarette and a Michelob Ultra beer in the other.
The Chippewa Golf Club shared the picture on their Facebook page, and the fans flooded in with their likes and comments, praising the veteran.
Following the feat, McFarland reportedly kept up the good play. He finished the round at 87, thus shooting his age, as reported by Alex Myers of GolfDigest.
The 87-year-old revealed the motivation behind playing the sport at such an old age.
McFarland reveals his love for the game
Just like many, golf holds a special place in McFarland’s heart.
Five years ago, McFarland went through a heartbreaking loss, and since then, the sport has been his constant source of strength.
“My wife passed almost five years ago, and this game has been my godsend. It gets me away from the house. I have to give accolades to all the guys I’ve played with over the years. They are great friends. Golf is a special game," McFarland told David Briggs of The Toledo Blade.
McFarland is a retired truck driver, and since his retirement, he has maintained a consistent golfing routine.
The 87-year-old plays 18 holes five days a week. As for his performances, his round score often matches or even exceeds his age.
What are your thoughts on McFarland’s feat and celebration? Share them in the comments.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore