Charles goes back in time at Slaley.

Byline: Tim Taylor

THERE is nothing unusual in seeing fit and capable young golfers stagger off the fearsome Hunting Course at Slaley Hall looking humiliated and exhausted.

Watching a sprightly 73-year-old cruise round the 7,088-yard track in one-over - to shoot his age - puts you in the presence of greatness.

This is Bob Charles, the only New Zealander to win the Open, at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 1963, a championship in which he was runner-up to Gary Player in 1968 and Tony Jacklin in 1969.

Charles scored 73 in the PGA Championship at Slaley on Thursday and 76 in yesterday's second round, making the cut on five over par.

Two years ago, at 71, he became the oldest player to make the cut on any of the world's main tours when he shot a second round 68 in the New Zealand Open.

This guy goes way back. Arnold Palmer had won the Open two years in a row when Charles stepped in to lift the Claret Jug.

His victory came 10 days after a threeyear legal dispute between Newcastle United and George Eastham, in those days described as a "Young England inside-forward", at last produced a decision in the High Court. Mr Justice Wilberforce ruled that football's retainand-transfer system was illegal.

But who says you can't turn back time? Charles reckons golf club technology has helped to make his average drive of 250 yards five yards longer than it was when he won the Open 47 years ago.

Admirers of Charles echo the words Peter Alliss used in Thursday's Teeing Off column when suggesting the attributes spectators might look for in senior golfers.

He is all about timing, balance and rhythm. Also, his putting is as smooth as velvet.

Charles, incidentally, has a top tip for club golfers: "Keep your head still and keep your eye on the ball." He won the Open three years after turning professional on the last occasion there was a two-round strokeplay play-off.

Charles beat California's Phil Rodgers with the help of 15 single putts, 11 of them in the morning round.

He is the first of only three left-handers to have won majors, being followed by Phil Mickelson and Mike Weir. One of the secrets of Charles's longevity is that he is a caffeine-free zone, he takes one glass of red wine a day. Otherwise he drinks water.

No tea or coffee touches the lips of a star who has played against all the greats, from Ben Hogan in his prime during the 1950s to Tiger Woods, the Hogan of the Noughties.

Charles won his first professional tournament, the New Zealand Open, as an 18-year-old amateur working in a bank, six years before turning professional.

Home is Christchurch, his base since he set out as a tour golfer in South Africa and he has played Asia as well as both the main and senior tours in America and Europe.

A winner of more than 75 tournaments worldwide, he remains a fierce competitor, although he says he "semi-retired" when he was 70. Charles, who owns a farm said: "Many things keep me going, not one thing in particular, although I play about nine or 10 events a year now.

"I love the game of golf and I don't have any aches or pains. I'm in terrific shape for 73 years of age and I enjoy the competition.

"I aim to be competitive and my ambition now is to beat my age each round I play and to play consistent golf. Playing in Europe also gives me a chance to see my daughter and grandchildren in London.

"I am doing something I really enjoy and, as long as that is the case, I shall still be out there giving it a go.

"If you love something, you want to hold on to it for as long as you possibly can."

EXTRA INCENTIVES LOVERS of good golf have two extra incentives to watch the Seniors at Slaley this weekend.

Entry is free and parking your car will cost you a fiver, whether you go today or tomorrow, or for both rounds.

While you are there, you can collect details of how a fourball can play the Hunting Course for pounds 30 a head. That is a third of the usual price and the offer also includes the use of buggies.

Director of golf and leisure Keith Pickard said: "This is our Bounceback Bonus for spectators, to celebrate having the Seniors at Slaley. We would like as many golfers as possible to come along to the PGA Championship and we hope they will bounce back again to play the course themselves!"I love the game of golf and I don't have any aches or pains. I'm in terrific shape for 73 years of age and I enjoy the competition

CAPTION(S):

LOVES HIS GOLF Former Open winner Bob Charles, now aged 73, in action at De Vere Slaley Hall yesterday, where he made the cut.