A 76-year-old golfer rolled back the years by helping Keighley to victory against Bradford Moor.

Don Hudson won his individual match 2&1 on his Bradford & District 8-15 League debut as his team overcame their hosts 5-3 to remain top of Division Two.

Hudson, who became the oldest current member at Keighley to play in the competition, said he was initially reticent to accept the invitation to compete.

He said: “They drafted me in as I’ve played there (Bradford Moor Golf Club) a few times. I didn’t really want to play because I consider myself as a senior now.

“I did feel daunted but I enjoyed it. I started off well and I was five up after nine holes but I tired a bit as it went on.

“To be honest, the lad I played against had an accident at work beforehand so he was at a disadvantage.”

It is thought that Hudson is the old swinger in town when it comes to the 8-15 League.

David Peat, who is secretary of the league and also Bradford Union competition and alliance secretary, said: “Don’s a sprightly 76; he doesn’t look it.

“He plays every week in the Bradford Union Alliances and he’s always keen and always turns up on time.

“I’ve been involved with the 8-15s since the late 1980s and I can’t think of anybody older playing at that level.”

Golf has been an enjoyable retirement plan for the Wyke-born Baildon resident but Hudson – who lost in the return fixture as Bradford Moor gained revenge with a 6-2 triumph – has no intention of becoming a regular for Keighley’s 8-15s.

The 14-handicapper, who has been a member at Keighley for 15 years, said: “I didn’t start playing until I was 63.

“I was getting near to retirement and someone was pushing me to take up golf, so I gave it a go. I’d played county amateur football, county league cricket and league snooker before that.

“I’d only been playing a couple of years when I won the Bradford Charity Fourball Championship. We always have tournaments at Keighley and I’m quite competitive. I’ve never regarded myself as a social golfer.

“The rest of the team have taken the mickey that I’m getting on a bit.

“They don’t normally play league golf at this age – the other lads are in their 50s – and I won’t be doing it again unless they find they’re short again. I only did it as a favour really.”

Keighley secretary Cameron Dawson said he was surprised to discover Hudson’s age after seeing his enthusiasm for the sport at first hand.

“Don’s down here a lot and he’s been improving to the extent that he was picked,” he said.

“Until I was told, I didn’t realise he was anywhere near that age. He’s the oldest member here that’s playing in competitive golf that’s not age related.”