Handicapper catches up with Hugh

Manukorihi golfer Hugh Taylor has been in vintage form recently.

The 74-year-old, who had triple bypass heart surgery two years ago, shot an 80 off his 18 handicap for a nett 62 to claim top spot at the Taranaki veterans day recently.

A couple of days later, he went three better with a 77 off the stick and 49 stableford points.

Taylor then cracked 50 stableford points with a 76 off the stick and a tidy nett 58 on his home course.

The handicapper was quick to react, with Taylor's handicap cut to 15.

"I got chopped three shots," he said. "But that's what happens when you play well. You always know you can score well, but I surprised myself ... and a few others."

Taylor, who has been playing golf for 30 years and has been as low as a nine handicap, started at the Waitara Golf Club before moving to Manukorihi about 18 years ago.

"Funny thing is, I'm probably hitting the ball better now than when I was on a nine. Back then I was playing just about every day, now I only play a couple of days a week."

Taylor puts his improved scoring down to two things – a smoother swing and a bit of chipping practice.

"I try to hit a few balls most days, just chipping, sometimes practising my sand shots down at the beach," he said. "When you get older, your muscles degenerate so you have to practise more and you rely on your chipping and putting a lot more."

Taylor said a lot of it came down to luck, or how you feel on the day.

"Some days you play well, others you don't. As long as you're enjoying it," he said.

"I've been playing for years. It's amazing who you meet at tournaments. You get to know all the burglars ... and then they give me a hard time. It's all a bit of fun."

- © Fairfax NZ News