Archie Hemsley could also be 101, however his mastery on the golf course is a sight to behold.
Hemsley, a British World Warfare II veteran, lately bested 30 different opponents at a match for golfers age 80 and older at his favourite course, the Luffenham Heath Golf Membership in Rutland, England.
When he was handed The Eley Trophy, the match’s successful prize, Hemsley informed the BBC he was “very stunned.”
Regardless of being an avid golfer, nonetheless hitting the hyperlinks a number of instances per week, Hemsley mentioned he hadn’t gained many tournaments up to now.
“I’m not all that eager on successful,” he mentioned. “Different folks like that.”
Hemsley needed to hit the pause button on his golf sport after having prostate surgical procedure in 2024. However he recuperated and returned to the course, {golfing} each week along with his daughter Clare.
His latest victory got here on a nine-hole course, and he used his brief sport to assert The Eley Trophy.
“I putted very properly,” he mentioned.
Whereas he enjoys the push of competitors, Hemsley takes extra worth in having fun with nature and getting some train.
“It’s beautiful seeing the birds and the bees, and train,” he mentioned.
And he believes strongly within the energy of staying lively.
“Should you don’t train, you die, I believe.”
Serving for the Fleet Air Arm
Much like a “Prime Gun” within the U.S., Hemsley was a pilot for the Fleet Air Arm, beneath the umbrella of the Royal Navy. He flew planes docked on navy ships.
Stationed within the North Atlantic, Hemsley was tasked with stopping enemy submarines from assaulting naval convoys. Returning to the plane provider safely would typically be extra harmful than the missions. He must land on deck, typically at night time, beneath harsh circumstances.
However Hemsley did it 100 instances, with 40 landings at night time.
“I do know that as a result of I had a logbook and it was recorded in it,” he mentioned. “I don’t know anybody with extra [landings].”
Greater than 80 years after his daring missions, the Russian authorities continues to honor the previous pilot. He’s acquired medals for aiding within the supply of provides to the Crimson Army within the Arctic. In April, he acquired a medal supposedly despatched “on the instruction of the President of the Russian Federation,” nevertheless, Hemsley believes the gesture was extra concerning the Russians searching for goodwill publicity.
Not Many Like Him Left
“He’s a exceptional man,” mentioned Michael Farr, head golf professional at Luffenham Heath Golf Membership, who’s awed by Hemsley’s dedication to golf at 101.
Farr mentioned he’s had the pleasure of teaching the World Warfare II veteran at instances through the years.
“On the age of 101, to nonetheless have that drive to get higher, is de facto spectacular,” Farr mentioned. “I believe all of us take a look at him going out [on the course] and suppose, ‘I’d wish to be like Mr. Hemsley after I develop up.’”
Sadly, Hemsley is a part of a dying breed. An estimated 8,000 British World Warfare II veterans of the 5 million that served had been nonetheless alive, as of June 2025.
What’s the key to Hemsley’s longevity? Swinging the golf golf equipment, in fact, and taking Omega-3, fatty acids that may assist decrease triglycerides and stop coronary heart illness.
Wanting forward, Hemsley doesn’t suppose he’ll put the golf equipment away any time quickly.
“I might handle with out [golf], however it might hasten the tip, I believe,” he mentioned.
