FORTY years' golfing is an achievement in itself, but for Barnoldswick's Marion Bateson it's more than that - she didn't start playing until she was 50!

Next Tuesday (June 9) is Marion's 90th birthday and she plans to celebrate by playing 18 holes in the Marion Bateson Birthday Trophy competition at Ghyll Golf Club.

The ladies' competition was started in 1988 to celebrate Marion's 80th birthday and, 10 years on, she's still regularly swinging the clubs at Ghyll.

Remarkably active for her age, Marion believes her passion for golf has helped keep her going, particularly over a difficult past year.

Last September she lost her husband of 61 years and, a few weeks later, she underwent a major operation, followed by a three-week stay in hospital.

"I didn't think I would play golf again," said Marion. "But little by little I got back to the game, which is my main enjoyment now.

"I always said that Ghyll Golf Club was my second home. They are a grand set of ladies there and they've helped me through my dark days."

Just this week Marion played her first full 18 holes at the club since her operation. Playing in next Tuesday's competition has given her a goal to aim for and Marion firmly belives that has helped her recovery.

"I should be long gone but for my golf!" she joked.

Her only concession to her advancing years has been an electrically-powered trolley for her golf bag and clubs - a luxury she allowed herself when she reached 78.

All through her life Marion has been active and enjoyed sport, playing hockey and tennis when she was younger. She often regrets not taking up golf sooner, instead of carrying on with her tennis, because the game has brought her so much satisfaction.

During her 40 year membership at Ghyll Golf Club - which is just a year older than Marion - she has been ladies' captain twice, served as handicap secretary for 16 years, and was made life president when she was 80.

It was then that she presented the ladies' section with the Marion Bateson Birthday Trophy, played for each year on the Tuesday closest to her birthday. By sheer good luck her birthday actually falls on a Tuesday this year.

As life president, Marion also hosts an annual President's Day competition, providing the prizes and arranging refreshments. And next month sees a new competition at Ghyll, the Richard C Bateson Trophy, with Marion donating the handsome new trophy in memory of her late husband.

Marion was a member of Skipton Golf Club for 14 years and enjoyed playing in matches there. She also has fond memories of playing courses around the country with Richard, who she introduced to the game. She won no less than 24 silver medals while playing in the silver division, and has kept a special "golf diary" noting down all the courses she has visited and the competitions she has played in.

Marion told the Herald: "I'm afraid my handicap keeps going up, but as long as I can keep swinging a club and walking round the course I shall enjoy it. My ambition is to get round in 90 - my age - but I doubt whether I will manage it."

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