Minnesota Golfer - Fall 2021 - 40

BACKSPIN
Century Links
For 100 years-young Gordy Anderson,
every day is a great day on the golf course.
* BY MARK CRAIG *
G
ordy Anderson was asked how often
he plays golf now that he's on the
first hole of life's second century.
" I have my regular groups I play with, "
said the super-longtime member and spirit
of Alexandria Golf Club.
Which days?
" Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, "
he said.
What about Friday and Saturday?
" Probably practicing or puttering
around, " Gordy said. " I'm on the golf course
up to six times a week. "
Alexandria GC hosted its 100th Resorters
tournament Aug. 1-7. Club President
and Resorters Chairman Jerry Rose needed
an honorary starter for this centennial
celebration.
He didn't have to look far. Born Jan. 27,
Gordy attributes a lot of his personality
to being a World War II veteran. He
served in the Air Force in the China Burma
India Theater.
" I believe America is the greatest country
in the world, and I don't mind you
mentioning that fact, " he said. " I try to
think positive at all times. I reject negative
thoughts when they occur. "
After the war, Gordy became a superintendent
of schools with stints around
Minnesota, including the final 13 years
in Hastings.
Gordy didn't play golf until his 30s. A
GORDY ANDERSON
1921, in Mankato, Anderson is half a year
older than the tournament. He also played in more than 50 Resorters
from 1963 to 2015.
" He's an inspiration, " said 62-year-old Rose. " I see him every
day. I ask him how he played. He'll say, 'Well, I wasn't happy with
my game today so I'm going to go practice, hit some balls or do
some putting or chipping.' "
Gordy has been asked to reveal his secret so many times, he put
together a typewritten sheet of " interview notes. " At the top is this:
" The question usually asked is to what I attribute my longevity:
faith, diet, exercise, positive attitude. Elaborate... "
Gordy nailed it. That was indeed the first question. And
Gordy elaborated.
" I work out regularly, " he said. " Before this coronavirus, I would
be at the YMCA at least three times a week. "
Rose, meanwhile, zeroed in on Gordy's positive attitude as being
the key.
" The first thing that comes to mind about Gordy is Mr. Positive, "
Rose said. " He is absolutely the most positive, optimistic person
you'd ever want to meet. You just feel better after you've had a
chance to talk to him. "
teaching friend in Wheaton, Minn., introduced
him to the game. And Gordy became
quite good at it.
" I played the Pine to Palm tournament
and was lucky enough to win my flight, "
Gordy said. " Been hooked ever since. "
Gordy guesses his best round was 2- or 3-under par. He first shot
his age in his 70s.
" I've shot my age too many times to remember, " he said. " Today,
if I shoot my age, it's not a good day on the golf course. "
Gordy shot a 92 from Alexandria GC's par-68 family tees the
day before being interviewed for this story.
" All of us as golfers tend to slide and move our head when
swinging, " said Kyle Lee, the head pro at Alexandria GC. " Gordy
has the amazing ability to stay still. Great shoulder turn, head stays
on the ball. "
Lee said everyone at the club looks forward to the next morning
when Gordy and his wave of positive energy arrive in his signature
red golf cart. Gordy's pretty happy himself when he arrives for yet
another day. When asked how he'll be hitting the ball at 101, 102,
103...Gordy laughs.
" It's in my dreams, " he said. " Every morning I wake up, I look
forward to playing golf. "
Mark Craig is the NFL/Vikings columnist and a golf writer for
the Star Tribune.
40
MINNESOTAGOLFER Fall 2021
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