Charles teed off at the first hole to mark the occasion of his 100th birthday, hitting a 175-yard drive, before enjoying a champagne lunch, organised by the club for his closest family and friends. He also displayed his Telegram from the Queen, and was given a round of applause by the club's senior section.

Charles, a retired Art Teacher from Wolverhampton Grammar School, believes golf has a lot to offer young people today.

'They hit the ball and they must take responsibility for what happens to it. Golf teaches you an important lesson about being responsible and accepting the consequences of what you have done, for me it has so much to offer everyone.'

He started playing golf in 1926 and still remembers what he learned in his first lesson.

'He told me I was trying to hit the ball, and instead of doing that I was told to let the club hit the ball and sweep it away. I still do that today.'

When Charles started playing he used only a driver, a brassie, a mashie niblick and a putter and says he could approach from any distance with any club because he would feel the shot and work out the trajectory, shape and distance needed. These skills helped him score the first of his two holes in one; the other he says was plain luck.

Charles is often accompanied by his 71-year-old son in law John Reynolds, who uses an electric trolley to transport Charles' clubs around the 27-hole golf complex, set in beautiful rolling countryside outside Telford.

The Shropshire Golf Centre has an active seniors section that benefits from a concessionary membership scheme, of which Charles has been a member since 1993. The club marked Charles' achievement by presenting him with a personalised commemorative sweater and golfing birthday cake.

'We passionately believe that all people should have the opportunity to enjoy the health and social benefits golf has to offer, which is why we run junior golf coaching schemes in collaboration with local Telford schools to encourage youngsters to take up the game. We are also especially proud of all our senior members, like Charles, who continue to play into their advancing years.'

Why golf helps people like Charles

In a round of golf you walk between 4-8 miles - Increases cardiovascular fitness and burns fat

You burn around 1,000 calories in round of golf - Golf helps you lose weight and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle

Golf tones and activates nearly every muscle group in the body - Golf has a whole body training effect, exercising all muscle groups

Golf helps reduce stress - Golf allows people to relax outdoors in social company

During golf your heart beats at around 90-120 beats per minute - Golf conditions and strengthens the heart and lungs, and burns fat, making you fitter

During golf the body releases powerful, mood enhancing endorphins - Helps relieve stress, promotes a positive healthy outlook and can relieve mild depression

Golf is often played in a open, outdoors setting - Promotes well being and a release from urban populated centres

Golf?s handicap system enables people of all abilities to play against each other - Golf is played using an open, accessible format, allowing you to play with different people

Golf has a system of rules and etiquette - Encourages care and respect for other people

Golf is played by up to 4 people in one group - Encourages people to meet new people and develop friendships

About The Shropshire Golf Centre

Nestled in rolling countryside on the outskirts of Telford, The Shropshire Golf Centre offers exceptional facilities and superb value for money. The unique 27-hole complex offers three loops of 9 holes plus a Par 3 Academy Course, 30 bay flood lit driving range, a comfortable and relaxed clubhouse, private rooms for private parties and meetings, and is also licensed for civil wedding ceremonies. It welcomes beginners, new and experienced golfers of all ages.

The Shropshire Golf Centre is part of Burhill Golf and Leisure Ltd, one of the largest golf course owners and operators in the UK. The Company operates across 10 sites and its success is a tribute to its people who constantly strive to provide quality, service and value.