Bob Charles

At 88 years old, Bob Charles has this physical status:

Sir Robert James Charles (born 14 March 1936) is a New Zealand professional golfer.

His five decades as a champion of a golf major have made him one of the most successful left-handed golfers of all time, winning more than 70 tournaments and beating his age twice during a tournament. Although Charles plays golf left-handed, he is still right-handed.

Early years

Born in Carterton, a small town in New Zealand's North Island's Wairarapa district, Charles worked as a bank teller in Masterton. As an 18-year-old amateur, he lifted the New Zealand Open at Heretaunga on November 8, 1954.

Charles decided to hone his abilities as an amateur first and spent the remainder of his banking career for six years. During this time, he appeared in international amateur tournaments several times.

Personal life

Charles was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1971 for his contributions to sport. He was promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1992 for his contributions to golf. Charles was named a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1999 for his contributions to golf. Charles was named a Member of the Order of New Zealand, New Zealand's highest civilian award for services to New Zealand in the 2011 New Year Honours.

Charles married Verity Joan Aldridge in Johannesburg, South Africa, in December 1962. They competed at the Commonwealth Golf tournament in South Africa three years ago. Denis Hutchinson and Bobby Verwey served as groomsmen. Beverly and David had two children, Beverly and David. David is a golf director in the United States. He has been a successful golf course designer, and he has played a major part in the Formosa Country Club east of Auckland, Millbrook, as well as The Dunes course on Matarangi. He served as an advisor to the Clearwater course, which was also designed by golf architect John Darby.

Charles has participated in the Gary Player Invitational several times to help Gary Player raise funds for various homeless children's causes.

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Professional career

Charles, a 1960 professional, won the New Zealand PGA Championship and then moved to the European and North American circuits shortly after.

Charles won his first PGA Tour event in the United States, the Houston Classic, the first PGA Tour event won by a left-handed golfer in 1963. He won the Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St. Annes later that year. His 277 was level with American Phil Rodgers after four rounds (68-72-66-71). Charles won by eight shots on the 36-hole playoffs.

Charles has competed in about 80 tournaments around the world. His victory in the 1969 World Matchplay Championship was regarded as one of his finest performances, as well as his PGA Tour victories. He won the Senior British Open for the first time 30 years after winning his British Open championship. He and Michael Campbell, the only two New Zealanders to win a men's major golf championship, remain.

In 2007, Charles became the oldest golfer to play on the European Tour at the Michael Hill New Zealand Open. In the second round, Charles shot a 68, beating his age by three strokes. He would finish in a tie for the 23rd position.

Charles' ride to the Senior PGA Tour (now known as PGA Tour Champions) was extremely lucrative and profitable, winning 23 titles in three years 1988, 1989, and 1993; he had the lowest scoring average in three years. At the age of 71, he came in second second on the European Senior Masters in 2007. He was the first left-hander to win a major, but also the first lefty to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in the veterans category. In 2008, he was inducted into the Army. Phil Mickelson will be the only one lefty inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame before being elected in 2011.

In an ESPN interview, Charles says he will retire from golf and spend more time with my family and farm in New Zealand.

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