82-year-old golfer plays 300th course

Jim Dowie, an 82 year old golfer from Exmouth has just reached a remarkable golfing milestone by playing on over 300 golf courses worldwide.

Jim, who is a member of Exeter Golf and Country Club set himself the 300 target back in 1997 when he was a mere lad aged just 64 when he started playing the game. Prior to taking-up golf, Jim played badminton at county level for many years.

Since then, Jim has played golf in 26 countries worldwide and whilst most of his golf has been played in the United Kingdom, the list of countries he has played in reads like an international travel guide. He has played in the Bahamas, France, Mexico, Portugal, the West Indies, Australia, Malaysia, Spain, Venezuela, Tunisia, South Africa, the USA, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Borneo, Madeira, Turkey, Cyprus, Tenerife and nearer home, the Channel Islands.

Jim hails from Gourock near Glasgow and still has many relatives and friends north of the border so it comes as no surprise to learn he has played at over an amazing 64 courses in Scotland. He has also played golf on 27 courses in Australia.

Jim said, “When I first started playing, I kept a record of where I played, and it snowballed from there. I was soon setting myself targets, so the golf clubs accompanied me on nearly every trip I made in the UK and abroad. Luckily my wife also plays golf so that made life much easier as we were able to play together in many countries.”

He continued, “During this time I achieved my lowest ever handicap of 19 at the age of 77!”

So what is Jim’s next target?

“At one time I thought about hitting the 400 target, but if I continue at a similar annual figure of courses played, that means I will be 98 years old and even I think that is pushing it a bit!”

As well as being an accomplished golfer, Jim sings in the Budleigh Salterton Male Voice Choir, plays tenor horn in the Riviera Concert Brass Band Torquay, is involved in Scottish Country dancing and more recently, he taught himself to play the piano accordion and now plays in a small ceilidh band who perform all over the South West.

Find out about golf at Exeter Golf and Country Club www.exetergcc.co.uk