Ms. McGinnis qualified for nationals in Tuesday’s Texas State Senior Games golf tournament.
“I think it’s neat, I’m thrilled,” she said.
Meeting new people has been the greatest thing for Ms. McGinnis - she also enjoyed the dance on Monday night.
Robert White taught himself how to play after being a caddy for his older brother.
“That was back in the day before they had golf carts,” he said.
White won the 2007 national golf title for the 70-74 age division. He has been competing in the Senior Games since 1995 and has been to nationals six times.
But for White, it’s about more than just winning; it’s also the friendships.
“There were two or three guys playing this year that I first met in 1995 on this course,” he said. “And we’ve been friends all these years. We’ve played all over the United States and nationals.”
One of White’s friends is John Browning.
Browning has only been playing golf for the last four years. He “played some when (he) was young and then laid off for 40 years.”
Although he may not have the years of experience of the other players, he’s still competitive enough to qualify for nationals.
“He’s good, very focused,” Jan Browning, his wife, said with pride.
Browning is considering competing in the free-throw competition in the next Senior Games, a sport he’s played since high school.
Phil Shaw protested when his wife bought him a set of clubs after they moved to a golf course.
“I never struck a golf ball in anger until I was 57 years old,” he said. “I was hooked the first day I stepped out there and struck one.”
Shaw plays regularly on the golf course where his home is, but still enjoys competing in the Senior Games.
“It gives us a chance to play with our peers,” he said. “You play with the young fellas and that keeps you young; you play with the old fellas for company.”
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