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Cape Town - Move over, Gary Player ... 90-year-old Patricia Fourie is still swinging fit.
More commonly known just as Pat, she celebrated her personal landmark with a round of golf at Royal Cape on Tuesday.
Born in the Roaring Twenties, Pat has lived most of her life in this city and watched the world transform around her with a golf club stoically in hand.
Pat has been an avid golfer for 55 years, according to her nephew Geoff Stroebel who spoke to Sport24 leading up to his aunt's big 'nine-zero'.
"She was first a member of Westlake and then she joined Royal Cape - where she's been a member for 40 years," said Stroebel.
As a member of the prestigious golf club, Pat sometimes plays twice a week with a couple of her friends and fellow-members.
Fourie doesn't kid around on the golf course - she once played with a handicap of 10 - and "hates" hitting a bad shot.
Stroebel notes: "She's very competitive and always wants to do well."
Don't try to feel sympathy for Pat, as she is more than capable of pushing her own golf cart and occasionally walks a few holes - weather permitting.
The root of Pat's love for golf started many years ago, influenced by her late husband, Johnny.
Stroebel added: "He (Johnny) introduced her to golf and she got hooked on it. She ended playing way more than he did!"
Pat and Johnny never had any children, but shared one common interest and that was the game of golf.
Johnny passed away many years ago, but that didn't mean Pat was going to quit her passion.
Despite never taking it up seriously - she became an administrator by profession - Pat was once president of Western Province ladies golf and a club captain at Royal Cape.
Her secret to longevity is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with her nephew describing her as somewhat of a "social animal".
Stroebel notes: "She only has two other interests: she attends gym classes once or twice a week and she plays bridge with her friends.
"She loves a chilled lager after a round of golf and a hearty glass of red wine, too."
Cheers to that, Pat! Now if only I can get my handicap down...
