SPIRITED: Doug Bousfield celebrates with his congratulatory bottle of whisky at Barnard Castle Golf Club
SPIRITED: Doug Bousfield celebrates with his congratulatory bottle of whisky at Barnard Castle Golf Club

AT the age of 87, and after 60 years of playing golf, long-standing Barnard Castle member Doug Bousfield has recorded his first hole-in-one.

The Gainford resident used a seven-wood at the 150-yard third hole during a seniors' competition.

“I’ve been a member for 35 years and have often gone close,” he said. “There’s an element of luck to holes-in-one so I’m more proud of shooting scores below my age. I went round in 79 when I was 85.”

Doug’s fitness results partly from being an army PT instructor before a lengthy career teaching maths, then art, at King James Grammar School, Bishop Auckland.