Sadness as UK's oldest golfer dies at age 101
Britain's oldest golfer, who was a regular on the fairways in Shropshire, has died aged 101. Charles Viner died at Isle Court Nursing home in Shrewsbury after a long illness.Britain's oldest golfer, who was a regular on the fairways in Shropshire, has died aged 101. Charles Viner died at Isle Court Nursing home in Shrewsbury after a long illness. Mr Viner, formerly of Priorslee, Telford, celebrated his 100th birthday with a game of golf and a champagne reception at The Shropshire Golf Centre in Muxton, Telford, in December 2007. He was admitted to Isle Court six weeks ago and died on Wednesday. Just a fortnight ago he asked his 64-year-old son John to bring in his clubs so he could practise his swing. His son said: "He was still hitting golf balls in his mind and he still watched the golf on television, usually criticising the players. But unfortunately his body was no longer up to it." Read more in the Shropshire Star
Mr Viner, formerly of Priorslee, Telford, celebrated his 100th birthday with a game of golf and a champagne reception at The Shropshire Golf Centre in Muxton, Telford, in December 2007.
He was admitted to Isle Court six weeks ago and died on Wednesday.
Just a fortnight ago he asked his 64-year-old son John to bring in his clubs so he could practise his swing.
His son said: "He was still hitting golf balls in his mind and he still watched the golf on television, usually criticising the players. But unfortunately his body was no longer up to it."
Mr Viner's last game was in November 2008 when he played at The Shropshire Golf Centre with his son.
Mr Viner said: "I only took up golf a year ago so I could play with my father, but he didn't enjoy playing golf with me as he had to keep giving me lessons. I now have two sets of clubs and an electric trolley. I'm really going to miss him."
He added: "I was extre- mely proud of my father in everything he did from golf to art, and the way he remained so active so late into his life."
Mr Viner, senior, was a retired art teacher who taught at Wolverhampton Grammar School. He started playing golf in 1926.
He joined The Shropshire Golf Centre in 1998 and liked to play up to three times a month. He was married for 69 years to his wife Connie, who died in November 2007, aged 92.
Golf Centre general manager James Lever said: "Everyone at the centre is extremely sad to hear of Charles's death. He was a great character."
