PLAYING THROUGH

Playing Through

103-Year-Old Fills His Soul with the Game of Golf

There may not be a sport more closely associated with spirituality than the game of golf. It may be because it’s played outside in nature’s fresh air, often in peace and quiet, surrounded by stunning landscapes.

While some use the game as a time for self-reflection and a long, quiet walk in greenspace, others say it’s the best way to connect with people, often spending hours with friends far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and distractions of phones and TVs. For 103-year-old Lindsay Tise, the game has offered him both. He’s been able to connect with his son through golf and find a sense of individual purpose that keeps him going every day.

Family In The Fairway

On a calm, quiet Monday morning in South Florida, Tise took to the first tee at the National Senior Games alongside three other competitors. He had made headlines all week long, as the oldest competitor at the entire event full of more than 12,000 senior athletes.

Without even taking a practice swing, Tise lined up and striped his first drive down the center of the fairway.

With that first swing, Tise had already secured a gold medal, since he was the only golfer in the 100+ age category. However, the 103-year-old said the experience was about more than receiving another award because it gave him a chance to socialize.

“I just enjoy playing. I enjoy being out with other people and being out in the open,” Tise explained while admiring the course surrounding him.

As he hopped in his cart to head down the first fairway, Tise was not alone. Riding right alongside him was his son Tim.

“We don’t get together that often, so we’ve made the last four National Senior Games ‘our thing,’” Tim Tise, 67, said. “It’s made us a lot closer. It’s wonderful to have him out here. He is an inspiration to all of us.”

“It’s a nice feeling to have him along with me. He’s just a super son,” Lindsay Tise beamed. “That’s about the most important way we are connected, on the golf course.”

While Tim serves as his unofficial caddie and riding partner, he admits his dad doesn’t always want to heed his advice.

“Several times I teased him about just going up and hitting the ball so fast, saying ‘You might want to look at it and think about it a little bit first,’ but he just wants to have fun. Sometimes his better shots are when he doesn’t even think about it,” Tim laughed.

Age Is Just A Number

For most amateur golfers, shooting a score lower than their age would be a memorable once-in-a-lifetime achievement. But not for 103-year-old Tise. He’s been driven by the feat, a pursuit that has filled his soul with pride. In fact, he says he’s lost count of how many times he has shot a score lower than his age because he does it so frequently.

“Most every time I play, I shoot better than my age, and I’m 103! I usually shoot around 100. I’m proud that I’m able to do that,” Tise told Growing Bolder.

This centenarian can say he’s better than half of all golfers worldwide, regardless of age. According to the National Golf Federation, less than 50% of all golfers are able to break 100, and only 26% can score in the 90s. Of course, younger golfers tend to play from tee boxes of a further length, but it doesn’t stop others from marveling at Tise’s ability.

“I feel honored to be the oldest one still playing,” Tise said. “I hope I do [set an example for others.]”

A Rock Star of Aging

Tise is a centenarian who is providing a blueprint for how to live a longer, healthier life. He plays golf at least once per week. He works out at the Wake Forest University gym three times a week, participating in group weight circles, weight resistance exercises and more.

At 103 years old, Tise still lives alone and is proud of his independence. He still drives his trusty Cadillac, even making trips of over 500 miles to see his family in Georgia.“It’s real important to me to drive because I live alone, and that’s the only way I’d ever get around,” Tise said.

The North Carolina native points to his relationship with the game of golf as the key to his longevity and happiness ahead.

“I think it’s helped to keep me going and has helped to keep me healthy,” Tise said. “It’s the exercise, and I’m mentally sharp for 103.

“As long as I can hold a stick, I don’t plan on quitting.”