With a spring in his step, Francis Turner is ready for another day of golf at Shadowbrook Golf Course. Turner turns 93 in a couple of weeks, but that doesn't slow him down! Instead of counting the candles, he's adding up birdies and pars!
Mike Hopkins, president of the golf club at Shadowbrook said, "At 92 years old, its pretty inspirational to see him moving like this and he hits the ball great, he makes pars and bogies like there's no tomorrow and he's just a great guy too."
Fran's motto? Keep moving. That means walking the course. No carts for this World War Two vet! That's the way its been since he picked up the game at the prime age of 40!
Colin Hopkins, director of golf operations at Shadowbrook said, "The dedication he has for the sport, for keeping the name Shadowbrook from when he started and went through its golden era, he's very proud of this place and we're very proud to have him as a member."
After being at Shadowbrook for the better part of 30 years, Fran had no idea that this past weekend's tournament would be renamed in his honor, the Francis Turner Classic.
Fran said, "I'm a little bit surprised and shocked too! I didn't expect anything like this! This is not my kettle of fish, I guess. I just like to come out here and play golf."
He does that very well. A goal for any golfer is to shoot their age. Two years ago, Fran did that with room to spare. The nonagenarian shot an 80! To play that well, he spends several days a week at the course working on his game come rain or shine!
Playing golf well into the 90's is something to shoot for.