Key Takeaways
- 89-year-old golfer Hank Plouffe proves age is no barrier as he hits the greens five days a week and nails two hole-in-ones in a single round.
- Plouffe’s golf journey began 57 years ago, inspired by a close friend whose legacy still drives him.
- Achieving two hole-in-ones in one round—an event with 67 million to one odds—Plouffe attributes his feat to luck and love for the game.
- Staying active, focusing on good shots, and cherishing friendships are Plouffe’s keys to longevity and joy.
- His narrative encourages senior citizens to be active and follow their lifelong interests with discipline and hope.
The Day Everything Changed on the Green
On a quiet morning at Bel Acres Golf & Country Club near Winnipeg, 89-year-old Hank Plouffe made history—not just once, but twice. As he lined up his shot on a calm summer day, the last thing he expected was a hole-in-one. But it happened. And then, incredibly, it happened again. Two holes-in-one, in one round—an almost mythic achievement with odds of about 67 million to one.
Yet for Hank, a sprightly senior who golfs five times a week, it wasn’t about defying statistics. It was about love—love for the game, love for the community it fosters, and love for the memories it revives.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Hank said in disbelief after the second shot dropped. But for those who know him, it was just another extraordinary chapter in a life well-lived on the fairway.
A Lifelong Friendship that Sparked a 57-Year Golfing Journey
Plouffe’s love for golf wasn’t born out of competition—it was rooted in friendship. Nearly six decades ago, a close friend introduced him to the sport. That same friend tragically passed away on a golf course in Pinawa.
“He was my best friend, and he started me into golfing,” Hank recalls, his voice warm with nostalgia. “From then on, it kept on going.”
And go on it did. For 57 years, Hank has walked the greens, swung his clubs, and played an average of 70 games each season. Through highs and lows, one thing remained constant—his unwavering commitment to the game and the friendships it nurtures.
The Magic of the Moment: Two Hole-in-Ones in One Round
Many golfers spend their entire lives chasing a single hole-in-one. For Hank, lightning struck twice.
“I hit the ball and didn’t look up,” Hank said of his first ace that day. His family, witnessing the incredible shot, gathered around the hole and shouted, “It’s in the hole!” Still in disbelief, Hank approached the green, and sure enough—it was.
Then came hole number 12. This time he watched. With a smooth swing of his nine iron, the ball sailed, landed gently on the green, and curved gracefully into the hole.
Hank said that it was unbelievable, shaking his head with a grin, and added that two holes in one round was just pure luck.
However, Hank’s longtime golf buddy Brian Kaluznick, who has played with him for 40 years, wasn’t surprised.
“He’s a good golfer,” Brian said. “It’s an amazing feat, especially for a guy that’s only 89 years old.”
The Wisdom Behind the Swing: What Keeps Hank Going?
While Hank humbly credits the holes-in-one to luck, there’s no denying his secret lies in more than chance. His discipline, mental resilience, and genuine joy for the game are key drivers behind his success.
“Everybody is going to have a bad shot, everybody is going to have a decent shot. Just remember the good ones,” Hank said with a smile.
It’s a mindset that transcends golf—it’s a philosophy on life. Focus on the positives, let the bad moments go, and above all, stay active.
“It’s the enjoyment of the friendship of the people that you play with,” Hank explained. “It’s a game; there’s fun to it.”
And perhaps, in a world that often overlooks aging athletes, that’s the most powerful message of all.
Active Aging: What Science Says About Staying Fit Like Hank
Research increasingly supports what Hank demonstrates daily—staying physically and socially active is crucial for longevity and mental well-being.
According to the CDC, regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves brain health, and enhances quality of life for older adults. Social interaction, such as engaging in group activities like golf, also helps combat loneliness and depression, common challenges among seniors.
Hank’s five-day-a-week golf routine embodies this balance of physical exertion and community engagement. His story aligns with the growing body of evidence showing that purposeful activity and social connections can extend not just life—but the quality of it.
Everyday Hero or Legendary Golfer?
“Usually attention like this is for heroes,” Hank laughed when asked about the media buzz surrounding his dual hole-in-one feat. “I’m not a hero, I’m just an everyday golfer.”
But there’s something inherently heroic in his humility. In an age where youth and speed dominate headlines, Hank’s story is a reminder that resilience, consistency, and joy have their own power.
He may not see himself as a hero, but for many—especially those wondering if their best days are behind them—Hank Plouffe is exactly that.
Conclusion
Hank Plouffe’s story is not just about golf; it’s about legacy, friendship, and the enduring spirit of a man who refuses to let age define his limits. His journey reminds us that passion never retires and that sometimes, life gives you more than one perfect shot. Whether you’re 29 or 89, there’s always a reason to lace up your shoes, grab your gear, and do what you love—because sometimes, lightning strikes twice when you’re simply enjoying the game.
