91-Year-Old Man Sinks First Hole-In-One After 50 Years Of Playing Golf

NAUGATUCK, CT — George M’Sadoques, 91, feels like a celebrity. After playing golf for nearly half a century, he has finally achieved a rare feat and scored a hole-in-one during a recent game on the seventh hole at Hopbrook Golf Club in Naugatuck. He shot 136 yards and used a 6 iron.

“I feel like a celebrity at the club having so many members congratulating me for my hole-in-one," M’Sadoques said in an email. "I am embarrassed by the attention, but it is nice after playing for 50 years with so many close balls to the hole or hitting the pin to finally get a hole in one."

M’Sadoques' son, Cliff, said his father had never gotten a hole-in-one before in his 50 years of playing. He is now the first in the club's history to to shoot one in his 90s. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

“He’s gotten close," Cliff M’Sadoques said in an interview with Patch, "hit the pins and things like that, but he has never gotten a hole-in-one.”

Cliff M’Sadoques said his father has played golf at Hopbrook for almost three decades. Though he plays there two or three times in a week, his father still finds the experience exciting.

“After playing [for] 29 years at the club I still love getting up early in the morning, getting outside on the course, getting exercise and going up to challenge the first tee off," George M’Sadoques said. "I love the camaraderie with the other players and have made many friends here. I have been here so long I feel I own part of it or maybe at least I have become part of the history of the course.”

Cliff M’Sadoques said his father has always loved nearly every aspect of the sport and for years enjoyed walking the hilly course at Hopbrook for recreation. He also said the two have played together a number of times and said he always found it "hard to keep up" with his father during these matches.

“He has always enjoyed playing golf," Cliff M’Sadoques said. "Anytime he has a good day on the course, and especially something like a hole-in-one, it keeps him motivated and just reminds him how much he enjoys the game.”

George M’Sadoques has lived in Naugatuck for most of his life. A retired machinist, he served in the army during World War II and always speaks fondly of his time spent in service to his country.

Much like on the golf course, M’Sadoques enjoyed the camaraderie of Army life; the regimentation and especially the discipline that has carried over to his devotion to the sport he loves.

“My father always enjoys talking about the service," Cliff M’Sadoques said. "He met a lot of people there that he stayed friends with for many years."

Taking another cue from his days in the service, M’Sadoques is also constantly trying to improve his game. In fact, he feels in the last couple years he has been much more consistent and focused than ever.

“He always says to just keep your eye on the ball and do an even stroke," Cliff M’Sadoques said. "He’ll always go for that nice and easy shot, hit the sweet spot of the club and the ball just goes.”

When asked what advice he would offer to readers about golf, George M’Sadoques said the most important thing would be to take it easy and stay happy.

“I would have to say the main thing is to relax, especially hitting at the first tee," M’Sadoques said. "Keep your concentration, eye on the ball and slow down your swing. Do not take the game so seriously; we all take a lousy swing."

Even with his 92nd birthday coming up on Sept. 6, Cliff M’Sadoques said his father does not show any indication of slowing down or putting away his clubs any time soon.

“He enjoys just being out there and playing," Cliff M’Sadoques said. "It gives him a good focus on life and his enjoyment.”

M’Sadoques echoed his son's statement, pointing out that his age is only working to his advantage when it comes to his golf game.

"I think getting older makes it easier to relax and really enjoy the game," M’Sadoques said. "I hope to play and swing away for many more years."

Image courtesy Cliff M’Sadoques