Golf runs through the veins of 73-year-old Port Stephens retiree, Neil Shute.
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Having first picked up the sticks at age 11, the Corlette great grandfather joined his first golf club (Marrickville in Sydney) at age 15 and has been a member of at least half a dozen clubs over the past 60 years, including at both Nelson Bay and Horizons.
He has been a single figure golfer for decades - at one stage playing off a handicap of one - has won countless club and invitational championships and competitions and has mastered the ace, hitting six holes-in-one.
But all those achievements pale into insignificance compared to the rare feat Shute accomplished on October 15 at his home course, Horizons.
Playing in an open competition, the popular member 'broke his age' by shooting a par round of 72, comprising four birdies, four bogeys and 10 pars.
"I was thrilled ... it's truly a great feeling. While it is very rare I do know some people who have done it, and I am led to believed that this could be the first time it has been achieved at Horizons," Shute said.
"I will be treasuring that feeling for some time to come. Not many golfers can shoot par rounds, particularly at my age, but I'm already thinking about whether I can do it again."
And it's not out of the question.
Shute admits he has been in rare form of late, and feels his game is getting better with age.
"I'm not sure why that is ... I do get inspired by playing with high level golfers who are constantly challenging you."
One of those "major influences" was the [now passed] Noel Atkinson, who Shute readily attributes to having being instrumental in lifting his game immensely.
Shute was also full of praise for the ground staff at Horizons, who "do a terrific job keeping the fairways and greens in tip top condition".
As for the game, Shute says he hopes to be still playing golf well into his 90s.
"Golf is for everyone of any age. I fell in love with the game at a young age and have never lost interest," he said.
"The thing is that you always think you can better yourself. And I love seeing long handicapped golfers improve their game over time."
Now retired, Shute enjoys at least two rounds of 18 and another two rounds of nine holes every week. Fortunately for Neil, his wife Lyn is also a keen golfer.