Desmond retires from golf at age of 95

JOHANNESBURG – Desmond Cecil Warner – in his younger cricketing years known as “Bokkie”, born November 10, 1918 retired from golf at the age of 95 on Wednesday November 13. Desmond played with the Senior Golfing group, The Crown Mines Coffin Dodgers, on Wednesday mornings and he has finally decided to “hang up” his golf clubs and “retire” from the game gracefully.

Desmond took up the game in his mid-thirties when he started slowing down on his other sporting activities, mainly cricket. He has been playing golf for some 60 years. His lowest handicap was a very acceptable 9 while a member of ERPM Golf Club. He has been a member of the following clubs: Modderfontein, ERPM and Southdowns. He has never been a member of Crown Mines Golf Club but has actively supported the Crown Mines Coffin Dodgers for some 20 years.

Desmond played cricket and it was his first love and he played for Benoni Country Club in the Premier league (Northans/Eastern Transvaal) until his 60s Bokkie Warner was a big name in those days and his best bowling figures were 8/12. He is a great admirer of Graeme Pollock.

Giving up the game was mainly because of his advancing age. His knees were giving him a lot of trouble despite the fact that for some years he has used a golf cart which he previously frowned upon as a younger man. “The secret of being 95 years young is to keep an active interest in all kinds of sport and to keep fit through exercise and sport and maintaining a healthy life style,” says Warner.

Crown Mines celebrated his 95 Birthday and departure from golf at the club and they wish Desmond all the best.