A FORMER golfer who packed away his clubs 18 months ago has returned to the greens to collect an honorary membership.

Graham Lloyd, who is now 88, joined the Ashley Wood Golf Club near Blandford in 1966 and became its longest-serving member. He decided to stop playing 18 months ago.

Last week, Mr Lloyd, who is now a resident of Colton Care's Whitecliffe House in Blandford, returned to collect a special certificate from club president David Heath.

The award makes Mr Lloyd one of just three honorary title holders among the club’s 500-strong membership.

“It was a great surprise to hear about this and I feel truly honoured,” he said.

“This is a very happy club and I have been proud to be a member.

"I always met very nice people over the years and enjoyed their company."

David, who formally proposed Graham for the honorary membership, said: “There was a unanimous vote in favour. Graham spent more than 50 years with us and that’s a very long time indeed.

"I felt he deserved recognition and the chance to come back whenever he wants without having to pay any more subscriptions.”

Home manager Chit Herman and Colten Care’s executive chairman Ian Hudson joined Mr Lloyd at the club.

Mr Herman said: "It was lovely to see Graham meet up with his old friends again."

Guests heard Mr Lloyd once claimed an unusual hole in one. Straight from the tee, his ball landed close to the hole and a cat playing and scratching itself on the green tapped the ball in.