One of the UK’s oldest golfers has set himself a New Year’s resolution
just days before celebrating his 91st birthday – to hit a hole in one.
Michael Quirke has been a member at Oxford Golf Club in Cowley for over
three decades and still plays twice weekly at the Hill Top Road course
to remain fit and social in retirement.
The former businessman emigrated to the UK from Kilkenny in 1953 and a
year later found himself in Oxford after arriving on shores he now calls
home with just £2 to his name.
After working as a steel erector to pay his bills, Michael founded his
own business and by the 1980s employed more than 150 workers who covered
jobs spanning the length and breadth of Britain.
It was only in retirement the father-of-two first picked up a golf club
and he’s been hooked since by representing Oxford Golf Club as Captain
in 2003 and President between 2012 and 2014.
He can still strike a ball 160 yards and hopes 2025 can be the year he
breaks his hole in one duck.
“I’d love to hit a hole in one,” said Michael. “We have five par three
holes at the club and three of them are in my range so each time I reach
them I hope I’ll get lucky.
“When I worked, I could never understand why people would play golf. But
now I look forward to getting out on the course.
“It keeps me fit and I’ve made friends for life. I’m fortunate my
daughter lives on the same plot of land I purchased and renovated in
Iffley in the 1980s, but it’s still a great excuse to get out of bed and
meet new people.
“Thirty years on I still love playing and much of that is down to the
camaraderie between members and guests at the club which has been very
good to me.”
Michael was bedridden after testing positive for COVID-19 two years ago,
but he has never allowed his age to hold him back.
So much so that he recently helped to refurbish the club’s shed which
houses its golf buggies and has booked a golfing holiday to Ireland in
June as part of his continued membership with the South Midlands Irish
Golf Society.
“I go back to Ireland every year on the ferry,” said Michael. “During
the pandemic I did lose a bit of interest in golf, but when things
returned to normal you realise how good it is for you physically and
socially.
“A lot has changed since I started playing, mostly the rules. I’ve
played all over Europe and I can honestly say Oxford Golf Club is as
good as any I’ve visited.
“A hole in one and reaching my hundredth birthday – those are my two
targets now!”
Founded in 1873 Oxford Golf Club was the original club of Oxford
University and to this day features an 18-hole course designed by
legendary golf architect Harry Colt.
Further information about Oxford Golf Club is available online via
www.oxfordgolfclub.co.uk
