GARY PLAYER AND MAINTAINING LONGTERM FITNESS BY NIKKI HOFFMAN

Gary Player was the first golfer to recognize the benefits of physical fitness in the game. Player devoted himself to proper nutrition, strength and conditioning to stay competitive. Today, at 86 years old, Player shows he is still the poster child for the benefits of long-term physical fitness.As the oldest player in the field at the PNC Championship Pro-Am in December, Player sunk an amazing birdie putt on the eighth hole! He played the tournament with his grandson Jordan at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando. Tom Leimberger, Harbor Hills golf pro explains. “Golf fitness improves flexibility, range of motion and balance,” he said. “All are critical factors in increasing swing speed, which results in greater distance.”Diet and exercise also contribute to increased energy and a positive mindset. Our dear Harbor Hills friend Les Johnson is a perfect example. At age 91, Les has shot his age and under 967 times! In 2017, Les won the bronze medal for golf at the National Senior Games in Birmingham, Alabama. His impressive feat has become legendary in our community. What is his secret? A daily stretching and fitness routine and a bowl of Wheaties every morning.The Harbor Hills Men’s Golf Association played their Member-Member Match Play Championships in late April. There were five flights with two-man teams playing a best ball format. After a three-hole shootout, the overall winners were Frank Altman and Ron Nisun. Congrats as well to flight winners Bill Dashiells and Larry Skoch; Bob Lafferty and Joe Pulsone; Ken Bishop and Ken Machacek; Mike Cofer and Pat Murdock.As Player said, “The harder you work, the luckier you get!"