Bill Locke just doesn’t see why it’s such a big deal that he’s still playing in the Winchester Country Club’s Father-Son Invitational.
“When we register every year, someone always says something about me being the oldest, but I don’t think that’s a big deal,” Bill Locke, who first played in the Father-Son in 1971, said, “Once we start playing, I just want to post a good score.”
Unfortunately for Locke, everyone else thinks it’s a big deal — and with good reason. Locke will turn 98 years old in October.
That makes him the oldest person to ever play in the storied tournament.
“Him playing in this tournament at 97 years old, that’s the accomplishment,” said Bill’s son and teammate, Tim Locke. “He played some great golf out there. It’s a shame we couldn’t have shot a better score, but just being out there with him is always a fun experience.”
The Winchester Country Club Father-Son Invitational is the oldest tournament of its kind in the country, with last week’s event marking the 101st consecutive year it’s been held. Teams from all over the country attend each year, and generations of families have competed together at Winchester Country Club.
“It’s always been a family event for us,” said Tim Locke. “We played together in this tournament back in the ’70’s — myself, my two brothers and my father — for years, then we lost touch with it for a while, and now we’ve been back playing for six straight years now.”
Tim Locke also managed to squeeze in rounds with sons Teddy and Brendan to make it a true family affair.
The duo of Bill and Tim Locke didn’t win the tournament, but once again it held the distinction of shooting a score lower than Bill’s age. This year the Lockes put up a 95 in the selected drive, alternate shot format.
“It was really cool to be out there, and he played some great golf,” Tim Locke said of Bill. “He hit almost every fairway and was just consistent as ever the whole day. Every shot was right down the middle.”
Bill Locke holds himself to a high standard out on the course.
“It was great but we should have been in the 80’s,” Bill Locke said. “We four-putted two holes and I missed two birdie putts (four feet and 10 feet) I should have made. I’m just missing too many putts I should make, just rimming out or an inch out. I tried opening my stance, but I still have trouble seeing the ball. But I go with what I have. I have no choice.”
The elder Locke is a more active golfer than many half his age, as he still gets out on the course multiple times a week. A member at Thomson Country Club in North Reading since 1964, he still plays at least three times a week. He currently lives in Peabody in the Brooksby Village retirement community, and he makes it over to Sagamore Spring Golf Course with some of his neighbors once a week as well.
And you better believe that the Locke duo is going to be back at the Father-Son Invitational next year.
“He’s absolutely fine with it, we’re trying to make it to 100,” said Tim Locke. “You never know what’s going to happen at that age, but I wouldn’t be one bit surprised if we’re playing in this again over the next couple years.”
But for now, Bill Locke will be playing over at Thomson and Sagamore per usual, just honing his game for next year’s competition.
“One of the things we’re going to do later on this summer is get in a couple of rounds with him and his grandkids, which will be really special,” said Tim Locke. “Golf has always been a family game for us, so it’s nice to be able to continue that.”