As the football world mourns the death of Sir Bobby over the weekend, we’re reminded of his legendary status, with over 100 England caps, 49 international goals and as a World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner. Somewhat less well known however, is that he was also a very talented golfer. In fact, back in 2004, Charlton was reported to have turned ‘pro’ at the sport… albeit via an unlikely route. Bobby was playing at Formby Hall Golf Club, when he defied 12,500/1 odds and made a hole-in-one on the 127 yard 16th hole. What made it all the more special, was that in doing so he won a £13k Mercedes A Class. Charlton happily accepted the prize, saying that ‘the hole-in-one was very unexpected, but I was delighted when it went in’. However, the official rules of golf set out by the Royal & Ancient that governs the sport, strictly forbids amateurs winning a prize greater than £500, so he was therefore immediately banned from playing social golf. In response he said ‘I’m well aware of the rules covering amateur golfers, so I knew when I won the car I would have to give up my amateur status’.
Nevertheless, a little over a year later, The Guardian questioned whether he’d missed his true calling in life, as he put on a masterful display at a blustery Kingsbarns in the Dunhill Links Championship, defying an already very respectable 9 handicap, and reportedly playing Johann Cruyff off the park! His swing was said to be ‘compact, powerful and consistent’.
Northumberland-born Sir Bobby moved from Lymm to nearby Knutsford, Cheshire in the early 60s, and was a member of ultra-exclusive club The Mere, as well as being a regular at the prestigious Mottram Hall. What’s much less well known, is that he also held a membership at 9 hole Knutsford Golf Club in the late 70s and early 80s, and regularly competed in club competitions. Those in the know told us ‘Bobby hit the ball a colossal distance in those days and practically drove the [322 yard] 7th green during one round’. He was said to have brought a number of fellow footballers to play at Knutsford, including fellow ‘Busby Babe’ Bill Foulkes.
Unsurprisingly, those who knew him recall that ‘he was always very polite, quiet and reserved’, and rumour has it that he liked playing at Knutsford ‘because nobody ever asked him about football, unlike when he played at The Mere, where he was pestered about it all the time’.
