[neil]

Neil Coles was an Englishman who was indeed a great ball striker and who refused to fly. I saw him play in the Irish Seniors Open a few years ago when he was 72 in Fota in Cork and he was very impressive for his age. The tournement had no ropes so I was able to walk along side him for a few holes.

Christy O'Connor Snr or "Himself" as we call him in Ireland was a spectacular ball striker. I only got to saw him play when he was quite old but it was a sight to behold. In his clinic he used to put a ball in a divot then stand on it and then proceed to hit a high draw using a driver. Plugged bunker shots stone dead one handed etc etc. Remarkable talent who would have one several opens if his putting had been better

There is a story about "Himself"[or knowing the Irish ,an urban myth].
He was on the tee at Royal Troon at the famous "postage stamp" par 3 ,and a group of American tourists came up behind him as he proceeded to miss the green with a short iron.One of the Americans commented on how easy the hole was[very short] ,and how could a pro miss it.Christie turned around and bet the group he could hit it with every club in his bag-and proceeded to do so!
Great story ,true or not -and if he did ,I'll bet he had a wager on it!