Double cup glory for the Elder statesman

Elder won the 2015 Gittins Cup at the age of 82 – some 35 years after his only other victory in the tournament.

And Elder, who had to play 82 holes in one day – one for every year of his age – revealed an extraordinary personal history at the border club, including sinking putts on the greens during World War II.

"I'm quite amazed to win the cup again at this age because I had to manage 82 holes on the day," said the retired GP, who was formerly with the Royal Army Medical Corps.

"It definitely left me with a few little aches and pains for the next few days, but we managed.

"We teed off at about 9am and didn't finish until it was getting dark at 7pm."

Elder described playing in the annual cup as 'a bit like the FA Cup' with six rounds before the final.

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But after he and fellow finalist Ralph Pell were still tied after 36 holes, the club committee agreed that a further nine holes would be played to decide the winner.

"I went into the 45th one up from the 44th and when I held on I think there was a sigh of relief from everyone that it was over!" said Elder. "But it was a nice atmosphere throughout and the people watching made it more special.

"A friend of mine, Malcolm Smith, and my daughter Judith helped me around.

"I don't have a caddy usually, but considering the time it had taken I was grateful.

"There were a number of turning points over the day. I was one down at the 35th and managed to win that to go level.

"The 36th was in his favour but I putted from seven or eight feet. Most like to putt uphill, I don't – I prefer downhill."

Elder, who has been a member of the club for over 70 years, recalls playing on the course as a child during the war years. He won his first competition with the Oswestry in 1954.

"I'm very proud that since the 1950s I've managed to win a trophy of some sort across all seven decades," he added. "During the 1960's I only managed one – I must have been working harder!"

Key to his second Gittins Cup success, helping him maintain his trophy record, was a change to his putter.

"I've had a terrible time putting recently, but I've managed to improve that with a thicker grip. The yips were getting into my game and I would shake all over the place," he said.

"I think with more confidence on my putting and my handicap of 22 it's helped me become a bit more difficult to beat."

Elder also paid tribute to runner-up Pell. "My opponent on the day was a different class of golfer to me," he admitted. "Ralph was such a good sportsman. There was no irritability from him when it went wrong.

"I just kept plodding along. Keeping it straight and going over smaller distances.

"I'm not sure that I'll compete in it again. It will be a while before I play competitively again.

"But I will always play for leisure there. I've made great friends in my lifetime at the club."