Emerson Henderson loves to golf and has been teeing off for more than 70 years.
Henderson recently celebrated his 100th birthday, and defies the odds by getting out to the green at least once a week.
“I hope I get a few more years out of this old body,” says Henderson.
The centenarian is a regular at Highland Links in Ingonish, N.S. He began golfing there when it opened in 1941. Henderson says he loves the social aspect of the game most of all.
“It’s the people you meet all the time, you’re meeting somebody different all the time, running into different types of people,” says Henderson.
Henderson says golf is also a great way to spend some quality family time. He spent the day on the course with his daughter and granddaughter.
“To be on the golf course and here in this beautiful place with him and to watch him still be as engaged in the game, if he misses a shot he still gets mad at himself. Then, he’s that much more determined to put the ball where he wants it to go. You watch that and you think, ‘gosh I want that,” says Helen Tuppered, Henderson’s granddaughter.
At the age of 80, Henderson had a hip replacement and, more recently, knee surgery. However, despite a few bumps along the way, his demeanor has remained the same.
“He’s had such a positive attitude on life,” says Margie Turbrett, Henderson’s daughter. “He gets up in the morning and overlooks the water in North Bay and it’s a blessing.”
Henderson is still posting a solid score, he shot a 99 last year at the age of 99.
“All you have to do is keep the ball on the fairway,” says Henderson. “I’m usually 102 or 103 and I haven’t played that much. However, I take what I get and that’s about it.”
Henderson says his secret to longevity is simple.
“Always have something to do every day. I always have a project or the children find something for the old coot to do.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore
