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Archie Hemsley may be 101, but his mastery on the golf course is a sight to behold.
Hemsley, a British World War II veteran, recently bested 30 other competitors at a tournament for golfers age 80 and older at his favorite course, the Luffenham Heath Golf Club in Rutland, England.
When he was handed The Eley Trophy, the tournament’s winning prize, Hemsley told the BBC he was “very surprised.”
Despite being an avid golfer, still hitting the links several times a week, Hemsley said he hadn’t won many tournaments in the past.
“I’m not all that keen on winning,” he said. “Other people like that.”
Hemsley had to hit the pause button on his golf game after having prostate surgery in 2024. But he recuperated and returned to the course, golfing every week with his daughter Clare.
His recent victory came on a nine-hole course, and he used his short game to claim The Eley Trophy.
“I putted very well,” he said.
While he enjoys the rush of competition, Hemsley takes more value in enjoying nature and getting some exercise.
“It’s lovely seeing the birds and the bees, and exercise,” he said.
And he believes strongly in the power of staying active.
“If you don’t exercise, you die, I think.”
Serving for the Fleet Air Arm
Similar to a “Top Gun” in the U.S., Hemsley was a pilot for the Fleet Air Arm, under the umbrella of the Royal Navy. He flew planes docked on navy ships.
Stationed in the North Atlantic, Hemsley was tasked with stopping enemy submarines from assaulting naval convoys. Returning to the aircraft carrier safely would sometimes be more dangerous than the missions. He would have to land on deck, often at night, under harsh conditions.
But Hemsley did it 100 times, with 40 landings at night.
“I know that because I had a logbook and it was recorded in it,” he said. “I don’t know anyone with more [landings].”
More than 80 years after his daring missions, the Russian government continues to honor the former pilot. He’s received medals for aiding in the delivery of supplies to the Red Army in the Arctic. In April, he received a medal supposedly sent “on the instruction of the President of the Russian Federation,” however, Hemsley believes the gesture was more about the Russians seeking goodwill publicity.
Not Many Like Him Left
“He’s a remarkable man,” said Michael Farr, head golf pro at Luffenham Heath Golf Club, who’s awed by Hemsley’s dedication to golf at 101.
Farr said he’s had the pleasure of coaching the World War II veteran at times over the years.
“At the age of 101, to still have that drive to get better, is really impressive,” Farr said. “I think we all look at him going out [on the course] and think, ‘I’d like to be like Mr. Hemsley when I grow up.’”
Sadly, Hemsley is part of a dying breed. An estimated 8,000 British World War II veterans of the 5 million that served were still alive, as of June 2025.
What’s the secret to Hemsley’s longevity? Swinging the golf clubs, of course, and taking Omega-3, fatty acids that can help lower triglycerides and prevent heart disease.
Looking ahead, Hemsley doesn’t think he’ll put the clubs away any time soon.
“I could manage without [golf], but it would hasten the end, I think,” he said.
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13 Comments
The comparison between Hemsley’s experiences as a pilot and the ‘Top Gun’ program in the US is intriguing, highlighting the similarities between the two countries’ military training programs during World War II.
With only an estimated 8,000 British World War II veterans remaining, Hemsley’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving history and honoring the sacrifices of those who served.
Hemsley’s philosophy on exercise, ‘If you don’t exercise, you die, I think,’ is simple yet effective, and his commitment to golfing several times a week at 101 years old is a testament to the benefits of staying active.
The Russian government’s decision to award Hemsley medals for his contributions to the war effort, including aiding in the delivery of supplies to the Red Army in the Arctic, is a significant recognition of his service.
It’s interesting that Hemsley believes the gesture was more about seeking goodwill publicity, rather than a genuine appreciation for his efforts.
Archie Hemsley’s recent win at the Luffenham Heath Golf Club is impressive, especially considering he had to pause his golf game after prostate surgery in 2024 and still managed to claim The Eley Trophy at 101 years old.
His dedication to golf is truly inspiring, and it’s great that he has his daughter Clare to golf with every week.
The fact that Hemsley has a logbook recording his 100 landings on aircraft carriers is a great piece of history, and a testament to his attention to detail and dedication to his craft.
Hemsley’s experience as a pilot for the Fleet Air Arm during World War II is fascinating, with 100 landings on aircraft carriers, 40 of which were at night, showcasing his exceptional skill and bravery.
It’s remarkable that Hemsley uses his short game to claim victories, as seen in his recent win at the nine-hole course, demonstrating that age is not a barrier to success in golf.
Michael Farr, the head golf pro at Luffenham Heath Golf Club, is right to be impressed by Hemsley’s dedication to golf, and it’s clear that Hemsley is an inspiration to those around him.
The fact that Hemsley doesn’t prioritize winning and instead values enjoying nature and getting exercise is a refreshing perspective, and one that many people could learn from.
Hemsley’s humility in saying ‘I’m not all that keen on winning’ is admirable, and his focus on the enjoyment of the game rather than competition is a great example for others to follow.