WINCHESTER — At the 104th Winchester Father and Son Invitational, a Peabody golfer has been making history with every step he’s taken along the course.
Bill Locke is playing in the event alongside his son Tim. The catch? Bill is 100-years-old — the oldest participant in the event’s history. That’s not the big news, as he has been doing that since he turned 90. The big news is that he and Tim finally made a score that beat his age, posting a 98 Wednesday.
“It was great. Anytime anyone shoots their age or breaks their age is incredible. For my dad at 100 to do it, I know it was a team event, but still, there are not many guys 100-years-old playing 18 holes of golf, I will tell you that,” Tim Locke said.
“We played really well, especially at the end; it was just incredible watching him do what he did. To be able to do this with him at his age is indescribable,” he added.
“That was our goal today, to beat the heat and beat my age,” said Bill Locke. “I didn’t play that great, but Tim did. It’s always a great tournament.”
The retired Winchester teacher and father of six has been playing golf since the 1960s as a member of the Thomson Country Club in North Reading. He played for the first time in this event about 55 years ago, and it is something that he and his sons get to do together for fun. Tim said his father had played in the tournament at least 30 times.
“I’m not sure how many times I’ve played, but I’ve played with all of my three sons — Billy, David, and Timothy — but I don’t think we ever had a chance to win anything. It’s just a fun tournament to play whenever we can make it,” said Locke.
Going into today’s round, both Lockes had to contend with some severe heat, but to the eldest Locke, it was not much of a concern.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s not too bad as there is a nice breeze,” said Locke.
One of the highlights of the round came on the ninth hole. After Bill misread a putt, he left Tim with a slick 18-foot downhill putt with a double break, but Tim, with ice in his veins, ended up draining it to save par. Bill described his set-up in jest as, “A perfect leave.”
Tim, who hit the monster of a putt, said, “That was special, that was really good. That was a great par, a par I am going to remember for a long time.”
After making the par to turn in 50 on the front nine, the Lockes came home in 48 — squeezing in just under their goal of 100.
What is the secret to longevity? How can you get a spot on the golf course at an advanced age?
“It’s simple; all you have to do is remember to get up in the morning,” said Locke.
