Health & Wellness
June 22, 2022

Terry Tighe: A Lifelong Passion for Golf and the Joy of Staying Active

Terry Tighe: A Lifelong Passion for Golf and the Joy of Staying Active
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At 89 years old, Terry Tighe is the self-appointed Commissioner of his golfing group, affectionately dubbed 'The Legendary Legends.' Every week, he brings energy and enthusiasm to West Bend Country Club's Men's Day. “I named myself the Commissioner, they don’t really have any choice. I make nicknames for everybody and arrange the teams every Thursday. The age group is anywhere from 65 to me, I’m the oldest one,” Terry shares with a smile.

Terry hits the golf course at least six days a week. Whether he’s practicing on the driving range, chipping green, playing the back nine, or embarking on a full 18-hole round, one thing is consistent: he always walks and carries his own bag. “I enjoy walking when I’m playing golf. It gets me more into the game, rather than driving a cart, which I hate. You can carry up to 14 clubs, but I only carry about nine, it makes my bag light. Primarily though, I like the exercise. That’s why I love to walk,” says Terry.

The Social and Health Benefits of Golf

After more than five decades of swinging clubs, golf has become a cornerstone of Terry’s daily routine. “Golf is a great form of exercise when you aren’t up for games like tennis or basketball. I’ve got great friends and a group of great people that I play with every week. Those relationships mean so much to me,” he adds.

Terry’s wife, Vicky, also appreciates the positive impact golf has on their lives. “You wanna know what I love the most? I love when he goes out there to golf because it makes him so happy—and guess what? That makes me happy too. We have a lot to talk about when he gets home. I can hear how bad the game was or what everybody’s saying and doing. So it’s always good for me too. It runs through the whole family, I think,” she says.

A Lifelong Relationship with Golf

Terry has served as the Men’s Day Commissioner, a representative for the Evans Scholarship Foundation, and has won multiple junior and senior flight championships. Despite all his accomplishments, his relationship with golf remains beautifully simple. “Golf is a game you can play forever, I think, and it keeps you healthy, strong, and lets you be with people. What else can I say about golf? Well, that I love the game,” he concludes.

Inspired by Terry's lifelong passion for golf? Sign up for one—or more—of GetSetUp's fitness classes and keep your body and mind active!

*Authored by Karissa Schumacker