THEY are very much sporting veterans.
But these local golfers are still up to par after a combined century of battling it out on the greens.
Arthur Crawshaw, 95, and Arthur Briggs, who is 95 next week, still play golf two or three times a week at the Dewsbury District Golf Club in Mirfield and regularly take part in the weekly competitions – with some success.
Last week great-grandad Arthur Crawshaw, of Peaseland Road, Cleckheaton, scored 36 stableford points in a local contest, despite misty conditions and a fiercely cold wind.
The two Arthurs – or Senior and Junior as they are affectionately known when they play together – have been playing golf for a total of 100 years.
Arthur Briggs, a former textile designer and mill manager, of Northope Lane, Mirfield, joined Dewsbury District Golf Club 55 years ago and Arthur Crawshaw, a former engineer, joined 42 years ago, having previously been a member at Castlefields Golf Club for a few years.
For many years they travelled together all over the county to compete in Yorkshire Union events – and notched up several successes.
In their heyday, Mr Crawshaw played off 12, now 27, and Mr Briggs reached single figures, playing off nine. His handicap is now 28.
They admit that they have both been very competitive over the years.
Mr Briggs said: “We didn’t go just to have a game, we went to win. Even now, if the course is open, we are here.”
Although they might not like to admit it, such is the friendly rivalry between the sprightly duo, the two men have a lot in common.
They were both original members of the Army’s REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) during World War II, Mr Crawshaw having fought in The Battle of El Alamein and at Tunis before spending three war years in Italy.
The two Arthurs were also keen cricketers and footballers and both decided to take up the game of golf as their prowess in other sports declined. Both are previous winners of the Lawrence Batley Seniors Cup for golf.
Mr Crawshaw said: “I fancied playing golf as it is a sport where you have to rely on yourself. You have only yourself to blame if you have a bad round.
“I enjoy the game and the fresh air and exercise and it is a very friendly club here. We play right through the year, but if it’s heavy rain, we come in for dinner and a game of snooker.
“Golf brings people down to earth. You can play like God one day and then rubbish the next.”
Both men walk the full 18 holes when golf buggies are not allowed during slippery conditions and neither is planning to give it up.
Mr Briggs said: “I have no plans to retire, unless I somehow happen to break both legs.”
Mr Crawshaw added: “I’m not retiring, but when the pro upstairs calls time, that will be it!”
