David McDonald, an 85-year-old golfer from Fall River, Nova Scotia, recently accomplished a remarkable feat by shooting an even-par 72 at the challenging Ashburn Golf Club. Known for its lengthy layout and large, fast greens, the course is considered one of the toughest in the province.
Expressing his excitement, McDonald mentioned that shooting a 72 was a special moment for him as it had been a while since he last achieved this score. Despite typically playing from the silver tees, which are nearly 5,800 yards long, McDonald managed to surpass expectations by finishing 13 strokes below his age, a significant accomplishment in golf.
McDonald, who frequents the golf course three to four times a week and mostly walks the course, shared that although he had faced heart issues in the past, his knees, hips, and legs remain strong, motivating him to keep playing actively.
Peter Stirling, a friend of McDonald who witnessed the impressive round, commended McDonald’s dedication to fitness and golf. Stirling highlighted McDonald’s preference for walking the course and emphasized his consistent performance, with McDonald typically scoring in the high 70s.
Having started playing golf at the age of 30 while in the air force, McDonald quickly excelled in the sport, winning three national titles in military tournaments. Following his retirement from the military in 1995, McDonald settled near Ashburn’s new course, where he continued to excel, winning the provincial senior men’s championship for five consecutive years.
With a total of 17 holes-in-one to his name, McDonald’s passion for golf, combined with a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise, has been instrumental in maintaining his longevity and competitive edge on the course.