John Sabados discovered golf at age 58 following retirement.
This is not uncommon considering that the median age of a U.S. golfer is 54 according to the National Golf Foundation.
Sabados also has six holes in one — two on the same green, 20 years apart.
This is impressive considering the odds that an average player will hit a hole-in-one at 3,000 to 1, according the National Hole-in-One Registry.
Sabados still plays golf twice a week at Southwood Golf Club.
This is because Sabados celebrated his 100th Birthday Wednesday, January 4.
Sabados laughed and said, “As long I can swing a golf club, I won’t give it up –I am only 100.” “I love the fresh air. … I’m highly competitive.
Sabados was a multisport athlete, and he joined the Navy during World War II.
Sabados was born in Dacono (Colorado), south of Denver’s suburbs, on January 4, 1923. His home, one of eight children was situated off a dirt road. The kitchen had a stove that burned coal and a well pump. Outhouses were still common in many homes.
Sabados was a multisport athlete, playing boxing and football as a teenager. He graduated from high school in 1941. His first job was as a stock clerk, then he worked in the Baum coal mine at $6.48 per day. He joined the Navy as a radioman at the age of 20.
Sabados served in Okinawa, and although he had some close calls during his service, he was not injured. Sabados returned home to Colorado after World War II ended in 1945. He was married and had two children. He continued to be active in sports, playing fastpitch softball and baseball, and even against The King and His Court, a popular barnstorming team.
Sabados was employed at The Rocky Mountain Arsenal from the age of 58 until his retirement.
In 1981, Sabados’ son Randy introduced his father to golf. John and Randy went to the driving range. John was able to learn the rules of golf, even though he disagreed with the stroke penalty and distance when a shot is out of bounds.
Randy laughed and said, “Mom was happy because that man was driving her nuts around our house.” “I asked Randy, “How about we take him to golf?” And Dad instantly fell in love with the idea.
This love affair has never ended.
Sabados was a regular at his Colorado course, where he played in tournaments and participated in weekly groups. Later, he served as president of the club and on the Board of Directors. Sabados celebrated his 75th Birthday by playing off the forward tees and shot a 4-over par of 76. The club also named an annual tournament after him.
In 1993, Sabados moved in with his son Randy (and his wife Julie) after Dorothy died. The entire family moved from Colorado into Tallahassee in April.
Sabados has not missed a beat at Southwood Golf Club.
Randy Oravetz, former director of Sports Medicine at Florida State, said that “He’s a great man to play with.” He still hits his driver at 150 yards. He has many great stories to tell. Some of these stories were told before I was even born. He has a smile on every face. He will tell you if he makes a mistake, it’s time for another one. Southwood’s guys just love his game.
“And his ability still to golf at 100 years of age.”
Do not slow down
Sabados attributes his long, healthy life to genetics, a vigorous lifestyle, and luck. He is one of four living siblings – George will turn 99 in April, Helen 98 in September, and Bobby, at 85, Bobby still lives in their original home in Dacono. He actively hunts, fishes, and plays the piano. Their mother was 97 years old.
Sabados has never smoked and only occasionally drank alcohol. He drives but not at night and eats out almost every day. Barbecue is his favorite meal.
Sabados can be old-school, too. Sabados has a cellphone, but he rarely uses it. He doesn’t text. He also turns off his hearing aids.
Sabados laughed when he was asked how he has managed to live so long. “But I don’t drink wine, I don’t have a wife and I can’t sing a single note.”
When Sabados was asked how he managed to live so long, he laughed. “But I don’t drink wine, I don’t have a wife and I can’t sing a single note.”
Randy Sabados stated, “It’s really incredible.”
He is still very competitive. He can get very upset if he misses a shot. He gets excited when he hits one of his best shots. He never gives up.”
By: Jim Henry
Title: This WWII vet/golf fanatic on celebrating his 100th birthday: 'As long as I can swing a club, I won't give it up'
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/01/12/wwii-vet-golf-fanatic-celebrates-100th-birthday/
Published Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2023 12:00:28 +0000
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