As another summer of golf winds down, the love of the game continues for one of southwest Saskatchewan's most-veteran golfers.

Elvin Mitchell, a 93-year-old man living in Lafleche, picked up the game of golf later in life than most do, starting around the age of 40.

"A few of my friends were golfing, I went with them, and got started," said Mitchell, adding that before that point, he didn't really have time for the sport to appeal to him.

"Well after I got out with my friends, and went for a few rounds I got interested. Before that I didn’t, I was too busy. I was farming, ranching for a good many years."

Mitchell started golfing roughly 55 years ago, but ramped up the frequency since his retirement at the youthful age of 84 in 2009.

Mitchell preparing to tee off at Thomson Lake Golf Course (photo submitted by Stan Scribner).

 

"Maybe about three times a week," he said. "Since I retired I’ve been golfing a little more, but before I retired I only golfed about once a week."

Mitchell plays the bulk of his rounds at Thomson Lake Golf Course near Lafleche these days.

"I ranched and farmed seven miles south of Glentworth," he said. "I retired and moved to Lafleche, closer to doctors and such."

"And closer to the golf course," Mitchell laughed. "I’ve got nothing else to do now. It’s good exercise, it keeps me going to the golf course exercise."

The 93-year-old says a balance of good company and a healthy competitive spirit keep the passion from fading.

“I don’t really know, I just like the game, I like the guys I go out golfing with - we have lots of fun, It’s really good entertainment," he explained. "I'll shoot anywhere between 46 and 50 for nine holes - I’ve shot a 41.

As the leaves change colours and fall on the 2018 season, Mitchell says he's hoping his 94th year might be his best.

"I like to improve all the time, I’d like to get better."