Sir Bob Charles earned $A10,990 at the New Zealand Open golf championship today but the sum belied his considerable achievement.
At 71 years and 261 days, Charles became the oldest player in history to make the cut in a regular tour event.
And his closing two-under par 70 today meant he beat his age twice and matched it once in finishing tied for 23rd at four-under 284 in a tournament co-sanctioned by the European and Australasian tours.
There had been a few rolled eyes when Charles agreed to play in the event at The Hills, a magnificent new layout owned by his friend, jeweller Michael Hill, at Arrowtown, near Queenstown.
Some questioned the wisdom of the decision after 1963 British Open champion Charles made his official farewell from the New Zealand Open in 2004, 50 years after he won the first of his four national titles.
But he knows his game better than anyone and Charles more than held his own, highlighted by his second round of 68, drawing statisticians and big galleries to follow his progress.
"I last won anything 10 years ago and this has been by far my best performance since then," said a delighted Charles.
In his heyday Charles was spookily good with his putter and he again showed a wonderful touch with the short stick.
He had just 26 putts today and 25 on Saturday, putting many of his younger rivals to shame with his ability to read the correct lines and his control of pace.
"Today I felt as if I could hole everything," he said.
"The pace of the greens was perfect for me although I do know many of the younger players would appreciate them being a touch quicker.
"It's just been a wonderful, extraordinary week."
Now Charles is set to return in 2008.
After all, as he said: "I'll be even par 72 then."
