Doncaster's oldest golfer is still going strong aged 99

Irene Chesterton is the toast of Town Moor after celebrating her 99th birthday with her usual round of golf.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Irene, from Skellow, is thought to be the oldest active golfer in the borough and is still playing the game despite being only one year short of being 100, around 60 years after she first picked up her clubs.

To mark her big day, she was meeting friends at the club for a round to celebrate, followed by cake in the clubhouse.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Over her time at Town Moor Golf Club, situated in the middle of Doncaster Racecourse, she has twice been ladies champion, says club trustee Mrs Juliet Swinbourne, and she remains a v ery active member, still well known for her straight shots down the fairway and her fine putting, as well as for putting on a bit of a show at Christmas.

Irene Chesterton is the toast of DoncasterTown Moor Golf Club as she celebrates her 99th birthday with her usual round of golf.Irene Chesterton is the toast of DoncasterTown Moor Golf Club as she celebrates her 99th birthday with her usual round of golf.
Irene Chesterton is the toast of DoncasterTown Moor Golf Club as she celebrates her 99th birthday with her usual round of golf.

The retired local government worker used to come down to play after work, along with her husband George, who died around 10 years ago. They both took up the game after George retired from playing cricket.

Mrs Swinburne says members are amazed by Irene, who is known at the club as Chessy.

She said: “We’ve never had anyone else playing at 99, and I’ve never heard of it anywhere else either.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“She says her eyesight is not what it was, and that she sometimes sees two balls, but she still hits the ball really straight. She goes round the course with a cart now too rather than walking the whole course.

Doncaster golfer Irene Chesterton after her most recent hole in one. Doncaster golfer Irene Chesterton after her most recent hole in one.
Doncaster golfer Irene Chesterton after her most recent hole in one.

“She’s had three holes in one over the years. She is still really fit and active.

“As a golf club we are very proud of our oldest longest standing member ”

Irene’s daughter, Sheila Sanderson, said: “I’ve been for a round of golf with her and she still beats me. She has had great health.

“The ladies at the club are putting on a bit of a party for her to celebrate,

“I know she’d love to still be playing when she’s 100, and we will see how she goes – she’s really quite an inspiration.”

Related topics: