The UK’s oldest golfer has been teeing up shots at the same golf club for 70 years – and said gin and golf are the secret to staying alive as she approaches her centenary.
Great grandmother Myfanwy Wigdahl, 98, still plays a few holes twice a week to keep in shape at a club she’s spent more than seven decades playing at.
Myfanwy – known to friends as Myf – was a lorry driver in the The Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during the Second World War and was stationed in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
She and her late husband Alan moved to Leeds, West Yorks., in the late 1940s and joined Roundhay Golf Club.
She has been a member of Alwoodley’s Sand Moor Golf Club for 70 years and still plays a few holes every week.
The great grandmother said the club has been a “godsend” for her after her husband passed.
Myf, who was born in Anglesey, said: “I love playing and I’ve really enjoyed my time at Sand Moor. I lost my husband nearly 11 years ago.
“The ladies at Sand Moor are wonderful and are really supportive, it has been a godsend.”
Myf’s son Gareth said her social life revolve around the club – where she was captain and won at least six or seven major club trophies.
Gareth said: “She played with her husband and her social life revolved around the golf club. In 1950 they both joined Sand Moor.
“She was both rabbits Captain and Lady Captain and won at least six or seven major club trophies.
“My mum knows many people at the club but sadly a lot of her very good friends have passed away.
“She now plays around five to seven holes of golf twice a week, weather permitting.
“She says keeping fit and having her regular gin and tonic at 5pm each day is vital to staying alive.”
Sue McMeeking, lady captain at Sand Moor, said: “We have a proud tradition of supporting lady golfers, whether they are new to the game, or have many years of experience.
“Myf has been a member for over 70 years and still plays a few holes every week. She meets friends for lunch and a chat, even when the weather is not conducive to being out on the course.
“She is an inspiration. She’s a great character and is full of energy. Golf is a great way of keeping fit, meeting friends and having fun. In these difficult times it is also a safe sport, as social distancing is easy.”