May 13, 2024

Staying on par, feeling great

Retired Greenfield optometrist says golfing is a good way to stay active

By CALEB NELSON

Dr. J.W. Purtzer has been an avid golfer, especially since moving to Greenfield in 1949 with his late wife, Betty. Here, he is pictured with his award he received commemorating his hole-in-one, which came in 2016. He says golfing helps him stay active, even at 94. (Photo by)

Dr. J.W. Purtzer of Greenfield doesn't claim to have the best golf game in the world, but he golfs quite a bit and says he gets a lot out of being out on the course.

Purtzer, who says he recently paid his dues for the upcoming year at the Greenfield Country Club, is 94. He celebrated his first hole-in-one two years ago at the age of 91.

"That was sort of a highlight," Purtzer exclaimed. "I had to wait a long time for it, but it finally came. It was quite a surprise, really. I didn't see the thing go in."

Purtzer's love of golf is the third part of a series in the month of January on hobbies people pick up. Hobbies are commonly started as part of New Years resolutions.

Purtzer, a Madison, Nebraska native who played just a little golf and tennis in high school, moved with his wife, Betty, to Greenfield in 1949. At least one selling point for the community was that it had a golf course. Purtzer practiced optometry for 45 years and golfed periodically, but he golfed even more following his retirement in 1994.

Purtzer claims his two late brothers, Horace and Dean, were better golfers than he is, and two of his nephews became professional golfers.

"When I retired, I golfed a lot because I liked it. I liked being outside, the air, and so forth," Purtzer said.

Purtzer golfed a total of 76 days in 2018. He put his clubs in the closet for the last time Nov. 2. His aim is to be back out on the course in late March or early April having a ball with his friends. He even has three friends who travel three times each summer to Greenfield to golf with their friend. They all enjoy golfing Greenfield's course.

"It keeps me active. I'm not much for just sitting around, so in the summer, that gives me something to do outside," Purtzer said. "I guess I just like being out. It gives me some exercise, swinging the club. I probably played better 30 or 40 years ago, but as long as I'm able to stand, I'll probably be out there."