Sir Bob bows out of International Competition

26 Jul 2010

There was no celebration, hardly any cheer, and no presentation when New Zealand's greatest ever golfer ended his competitive career on the 18th green at Carnoustie on day two of the British Senior Open.

On the first tee he was introduced without undue fuss by the European Tour's official starter, Ivor Robson.

"Next on tee. From New Zealand. Bob Charles."

Sir Bob easily found the first fairway on his final event on the world stage.

A career that burst into the public eye when, as an 18-year-old amateur he won the 1954 New Zealand Open, ended with Sir Bob, 74, shooting a seven-over-par 78 on the famed Scottish golf course where in 1968 he finished joint British Open runner-up to South African Gary Player.

Sir Bob won the British Open in 1963 courtesy of his silky putting, the first left-hander to claim a major.

Forty-seven years on it was a lot different as Sir Bob carved his second shot out-of-bounds down the last at Carnoustie before signing for an eventual 16-over par tally.

After the customary handshakes, he headed to the scorer's hut, as he has done now for 52 years.

There waiting for him after he had signed his score card was Sky TV golf reporter David Livingston.

His first question: "Sir Bob. You have just completed your round here at Carnoustie and it's a kind of special day because we understand it's the end of era of international competition for you?"

Sir Bob told Livingstone he was correct.

"I made the decision some time ago that this week would be my last Senior British Open and my last competitive international round of golf.

"I have played in all 24 Senior British Opens starting in 1987 so I feel after 50 odd years - and in fact I have been travelling since 1958 - that it's about time to take a break and sit back and enjoy life a little bit, and not have these early morning starts and late finishes.

"But today was not an emotional occasion for me, no not at all, as I only get emotional with my family. Not with my golf.

"Golf has been good to me as I have had a great innings and I have won a lot of tournaments around the world so I have been one of the fortunate ones. It's been a great ride and I have enjoyed the success but then I haven't enjoyed the poor tournaments.

"But you are looking at a 74-year-old who is not a kid anymore, and I actually feel like I am playing against 50-year old kids out here and I am old enough to be the father of a good percentage of them.

"Fortunately, my body has held together pretty well and, as I said, I've had a great innings."

Aside from looking forward to taking his wife on cruises off Alaska and on the Mediterranean, it was his desire to return to Scotland and play courses at Macrinhanish Dunes and Castle Stuart, which he did not manage to get to on an extensive journey last year to some of the country's golfing gems.

"I've played most of the others so I will be back for the next St Andrews Open, and I will bring my clubs."

Former Ryder Cup captain Mark James of England walked up to congratulate him on a superb golfing career.

"I just want to say how wonderful you have been to the game of golf," said James.

"You have played the game as it has deserved to be played and thank you for the joy you have brought to everyone."

Sir Bob was able to offer only a simple 'thank you', then he walked from the scoring compound to be mobbed by children seeking his autograph.