As professional golfers less than half his age complete in the Open at Royal Birkdale, Ralph Hoare will party with friends and family at Gloucester Golf and Country Club.

At more than three times the age of 32-year-old Tiger Woods, the great-grandfather has played for more than 40 years and has no plans to give up.

The former banker, who lives in Gloucester takes to the course twice a week for a nine-hole game.

Widower Mr Hoare said his time on the golf course was one of the secrets to a long life.

Mr Hoare said: "I don't suppose it's very common to see 100-year-olds playing golf.

"I need a buggy to get around the course, and I don't bother with competitions any more.

"I used to play cricket, tennis and rugby, but when I turned 60 I started to get too old so I tried golf. It's good exercise and it gets me out."

Born in 1908, Mr Hoare grew up in Devon. He served in the RAF during the Second World War.

He has lived alone in Gloucester since his wife Dorothy died 18 months ago. The couple married in 1940 at St John's Church in Taunton, Somerset.

He said: "I would give credit for my long life to a loving and caring wife of 57 years.

"She always gave me good nourishing meals – no junk food."