Gaiser stays on course at 92
CHICORA — When it comes to golf, everything is relative for Jack Gaiser.
Gaiser, 92, of Chicora, still golfs once or twice a week with family members. He recently shot a 46 for nine holes at Stoughton Acres.
That's not shooting his age, exactly — but it's relative.
“I can't play 18 holes anymore, so this is close as I can get,” Gaiser said. “I did it two different times at Stoughton when I was 89, but that was nine holes both times, too.”
Gaiser's family grew up in a house “right off the seventh green” at St. Jude Golf Club. All three of his sons — 70-year-old Tom, 68-year-old Jim and 64-year-old Colin — are still golfing today.
So is his daughter, Kim.
“We play every Monday,” she said. “Dad still gets out on the course with us.”
Gaiser's nephew, Denny, golfs with him from time to time as well.
“Our houses were side-by-side when I was a kid,” Denny said. “We grew up on golf. I've been playing for as long as I can remember.
“I imagine other golfers have shot their age for nine holes at age 92 ... But I bet there aren't too many. Jack is a pretty amazing guy.”
A World War II Marine veteran, Gaiser was an outstanding baseball player years ago. He was a catcher-first baseman on the Chicora team that won the Butler County league title in 1948.
Gaiser took up golf when he was in his 30s. He has seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
“I can't hit the ball very far anymore,” Gaiser said of his golf game. “I can go maybe 150 yards (off the tee). I used to drive it 250 or 275 yards regularly.
“Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't be playing anymore. But it's still fun.”
Kim said the secret to Gaiser's game is that he hits the ball down the middle.
“He never hits a bad shot. It's always in the middle of the fairway,” she said. “He never gets himself in trouble. Golfers could learn from him that way.
“I'm hoping I can still play golf at all at 92, let alone the way he does ... if I'm even around.”
Gaiser said he used to play golf three times a week, but doesn't go as often anymore.
“I enjoy the exercise ... But I have to ride,” he said with a chuckle.
