He’s referred to as “a bit of a legend” and “a really good bloke”.
Ray Pittams, 90, is also well-known among members at the Tauranga Golf Club for scoring under or at his age an astonishing 224 times.
“I hit the course par of 71 when I was 71,” said the Pyes Pā resident. “Today, I’ve hit a round of 88, so I’m pretty happy with that.”
The former King Country sheep and cattle farmer picked up golf in his mid-20s as a hobby that gave him a break from work.
“A group of farmers and two country school teachers formed a nine-hole golf course in the country at Mapiu, halfway between Te Kūiti and Taumaranui and we played every Sunday afternoon,” said Pittams.
“To learn, I put a full-length mirror in front of myself outside and copied the swing of a professional golfer named Sam Snead.
“That’s how I taught myself to play golf.”
Ray Pittams at Tauranga Golf Club in Greerton. Photo / Debbie Griffiths
He joined the golf club at Greerton in 1980 and is now the third oldest member, playing golf three times each week.
“It’s good for upper body strength and the legs,” said Pittams. “It’s a good sport to take up because it’s a game for life.
“I used to play on single figures and I’ve won a fair few trophies over the years; open days and the five course classic. I’m still competitive but I don’t go into match play tournaments anymore.”
Pittams’ only concession to his age is that he uses a buggy to get around the course and finds it more difficult to see the ball.
“The guys I play with are excellent. I don’t think I’d be able to play without them helping me,” he said. “Sometimes they joke around and try to point me in the wrong direction but I could almost go by feel, now. I know straight away if I’ve hit the ball right.”
Ray Pittams at Tauranga Golf Club in Greerton. Photo / Debbie Griffiths
Club manager Michelle Towersey said golf is an excellent way for seniors to stay active, both physically and socially.
“Golf provides a connection with friends, even if your golf isn’t great,” she said.
“As our members get older, they can adapt their swing or use a golf cart to suit their mobility. If you walk the course, it’s certainly easy to get 10,000 steps in a day.
“It’s about getting out in nature and you can’t help but feel good when you’ve been out golfing.”