By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A 98 might convince most golfers to give the game away but not Sylvia Blegg – it’s only her age, not her score.
The 14th Australian Masters Games’ oldest competitor demonstrated she had a few swings left in her as she took on the individual stroke competition on the second-last day.
Demonstrating her competitiveness, the Indented Head golfer was unhappy with her total but pleased to be out on the greens.
“Apart from the score, it was a good day,” Sylvia declared.
“This is my first masters games and it has been a very good experience.
“My game is going downhill but some days I play well and win the competition. Of course, I have good and bad shots, though.”
The fit and healthy great-great-grandmother walks without assistance but uses a cart to get around the 18 holes she often plays at home club Portarlington.
“I’ve played golf here at Portarlington for about 40 years all together. My best handicap was 19. It’s a wonderful club – a nice course and very social.”
The games experience gave Sylvia plenty of reason to put off retiring permanently to the 19th hole.
“I’ll be disappointed the day I won’t be able to play but I don’t feel it is anytime soon.”
Organsiers said more than 8000 competitors, volunteers, officials, family and friends gathered for the event in Geelong.
Geelong acting mayor Bruce Harwood, who competed in the cycling road race, said he was delighted with the estimated $9 million economic benefit to the region.
“There has been a great buzz across Geelong, Kardinia Park and sports venues around the city, with thousands of visitors in their games uniforms with smiles on their faces, enjoying themselves and taking in the sights,” Cr Harwood said.
