Breaking 100: Barrett Nichols hits 101, still swinging

Golf Digest, Jan, 2003

If you want to think of golf as a sport you can play your entire life, 101-year-old Barrett Nichols has a few words of advice: "Eat a lot of fruit, smoke an occasional cigar, and drink rum and tonic at night," says Nichols, who turned 101 on Dec. 14. "Also, have good genes."

Nichols' father lived until he was 93, but even he couldn't match his son's impressive stamina. Nichols, a 23-handicapper, still plays five times a week at The Meadows Country Club in Sarasota, Fla. From the men's tees (6,028 yards), his best round in 2002 was a 92, and he's still driving the ball 160 yards.

Playing with his 73-year-old son, Barrett Jr., Nichols won his flight in the club's member-guest in 2002. But his next goal is to become the oldest person ever to record an ace. The record is owned by the late Harold Stilson Sr., who was 101 years, 1 month, and 6 days old when he did it.

If you know of any other avid triple-digit golfers, please write and let us know.