Everything but a hole-in-one

Rob Jordan (79) has pretty much accomplished every sporting achievement.
In his heyday, Jordan finished sixth with his brother, Ted Jordan, in the Dusi Canoe Marathon doubles, won school tennis championships, played soccer as a goalkeeper for Transvaal and Rhodesia – where he was awarded the Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year – and was once a finalist for the country’s Sportsman of the Year Award, and played basketball for his province, Mashonaland.
After a horrific hand injury, he took up golf and, before he knew it, he was a scratch golfer, playing in two provincial championships for Mashonaland.
Jordan has even achieved the rare feat of shooting his age in golf, not once but twice. However, after 50 years of playing the sport, the one feat still eluding him is scoring a hole-in-one.
“It is actually quite frustrating,” sighed Jordan, now a Randpark Ridge resident who plays at Jackal Creek Golf Estate in Honeydew.
Of course, nothing but perfection is acceptable for this man, who is still extremely competitive in his late age. “I will stop playing golf on my way to the grave,” he joked, with a hint of seriousness in his voice.
“As long as I can walk and talk, I will play. I love the challenge of getting as close to par as possible, and trying to improve each time.”
Jordan explained that staying active is crucial for him, and when he suffered a heart attack 25 years ago it was his active lifestyle that probably saved him. “Even on the golf course, I try to walk all the way. I can’t stand seeing young guys driving their golf carts around.”
Jordan currently plays at a handicap of 15, and has won his handicap’s monthly medal at the club about 20 times.
“Rob has been a good player for many years and is a credit to our club and golf in general,” said the club’s general manager, Ashley Roestoff.
“To shoot your age is a rare accomplishment that even most long-time professional golfers don’t achieve. It is something to be really proud of, as are we.”