Old golfers accused of hogging the holes

It's a provocative view which is sure to cause splutterings of indignation at the 19th hole.

A golfing magazine has described older players as 'leeches', saying they clog up courses and put the younger generation off joining clubs.

Needless to say, it's not a popular view among the many retired people who view golf as something akin to a religion.

The article claimed that with life expectancy increasing and more workers retiring early, many are making greater use of their cheap 'senior' membership.

The Golf Club Secretary Newsletter added that growing numbers of elderly golfers are now spending up to half their week on the links.

The article warned that clubs must consider new pricing plans which get rid of concessionary membership for the over-65s, as well as limiting the number of games they can play.

According to a survey carried out for the English Golf Union, last year the average membership fee for an adult male player was £627, compared with £484 for a senior.

The article adds: 'Perhaps it will take a change in attitude towards those members who are "always at the clubî from being perceived as the club's life-blood to being perceived as the club's leeches?'