Aging like fine wine, senior golfers defy time on the fairways

In a world where youth often steal the spotlight, a group of seasoned golfers continues to dominate the greens, proving that experience, skill, and passion can outshine mere physical prowess.

These veterans of the sport, many in their seventies and beyond, still swing with the precision and grace that rival even the most energetic young talents.

One such golfer is Nyanza Golf Club’s Joseph Atito, whose love affair with golf began in 1972 when he was just ten years old.

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Back then, Atito was a caddie, earning just two or three shillings for an 18-hole round, a stark contrast to today's minimum wage of Sh800 per round for caddies.

“With one shilling, I would go to Kibuye Market in Kisumu and buy a trouser and a t-shirt,” Atito recalls with a nostalgic smile.

Determined to play the game, Atito crafted his own golf clubs from wood, regularly cutting trees along the shores of Lake Victoria to carve the different shapes needed to play.

His resilience and passion saw him rise through the ranks, becoming a full member of Nyanza Golf Club in 2003.

Today, at 62, he is not just a respected golfer but also a certified junior golf trainer under the US Kids program.

Atito credits golf for giving him a stable livelihood, having earned through the sport, educated his children, and built a comfortable life. “Golf is not just a game; it is a way of life. It teaches patience, discipline, and above all, perseverance,” he says.

Despite his age, Atito remains a familiar face at Nyanza Golf Club and neighbouring clubs such as Kericho, Kakamega, and Nandi. It's the same case with Windsor and Thika clubs.

He plays in nearly every Sunset Golf tournament, Monthly Mug, and corporate golf event, never missing a podium finish.

His secret? “Loving the sport first, staying healthy, and embracing the exercise that comes with walking across the course,” he reveals.

If Atito is proof that golf is a lifelong passion, then Sawarn Singh Hunjan of Nanyuki Sports Club is its epitome.

At 81-year-old and with over 47 years of experience in the game, Singh Hunjan has seen golf evolve from an elite pastime to a more accessible sport in Kenya.

Having started playing in 1978, he was instrumental in designing the course at Nanyuki Sports Club, a legacy that continues through his son Kuldip Hunjan and grandson Paramvir Hunjan.

“It is a proud moment to play a three-ball match with three generations—myself, my son, and my grandson. Golf is a bond that ties us together beyond just the game,” Singh Hunjan said.

His contributions to the club extend beyond playing. He was not only a captain, but also a greenkeeper, sponsoring and constructing the first green on Hole No. 3. His passion for the sport is evident in his commitment to ensuring the growth and sustainability of golf in Nanyuki.

Another senior golfer defying age is Bhupen Shah, a trustee at Nyanza Golf Club with over 30 years of experience. For Shah, golf is more than just a competitive sport—it’s an opportunity to socialize and mentor younger players.

“Golf is a game of patience, strategy, and camaraderie. Playing with juniors and sharing my experience gives me immense joy,” he says.

Shah is also a firm advocate for capitalising on Nyanza Golf Club’s location along the Lake Victoria waterfront.

“We have a prime location that can attract more golfers and investors. Developing the clubhouse further will enhance our status as a premier golf destination,” he said.

Engineer Don Riaroh, 72, Paul Otieno, Dr. Ojwang Luci, the current chairman of Nyanza Golf Club, Alijah Abdul, B.S. Patel, and B.V. Patel are among other senior golfers who continue to grace the fairways with unmatched skill and determination.

Their presence on the course is a testament to the timeless appeal of golf—a sport where age is merely a number, and excellence is honed through years of dedication.

Munga Marusoi and Ezekiel Koech from Kericho Golf Club are also examples of seniors from Rift Valley showing the juniors how it is done.

Whether it's Atito’s timeless swings, Hunjan’s three-generation golf tradition, or Shah’s commitment to golf’s social and developmental aspects, these veterans continue to inspire younger generations.

They prove that golf is not just a game for the young—it is a lifelong journey where skill and strategy triumph over age.

As long as there are fairways to walk and greens to conquer, these senior golfers will continue to tee off with the same enthusiasm they had decades ago, showing that, like fine wine, they only get better with time.