Zenith “Zen” Hrdlicka has witnessed nearly a century of life. As she celebrated her 99th birthday last Tuesday, the Rocky Ridge Retirement Community resident fulfilled a long-held dream: to play a round at the Kananaskis Country Golf Course.
The Kananaskis Country Golf Course is 36 holes split into two 18-hole courses. Hrdlicka chose to play the Mount Lorette course, which has a par 72.
The day was made all the more special by the presence of four generations of her family, her warm welcome, and the weather that turned perfect just in time for her game.
“You wouldn’t believe it, but I’m pretty sure God is on my side. When we left Calgary, it was raining and foggy, and it wasn’t nice at all,” Hrdlicka told the Rocky Mountain Outlook.
“As we drove west, the closer we got to Kananaskis, the nicer the weather got. By the time we got there, the sun was out, shining brilliantly, and it stayed out for the whole two hours that we golfed, and then it went away again,” she continued.
But more than the sunshine or the pristine greens, her family’s company made the day unforgettable.
“To have my family there was wonderful and beyond my expectations. When I put in my request, I just put in a request to have my daughter there and didn’t think there would be more than that,” Hrdlicka said, her voice full of gratitude.
The Rocky Ridge Retirement Community has a program known as the “living list,” which aims to grant special wishes to its residents each year.
When the staff approached the Kananaskis Country Golf Course, Darren Robinson, the general manager, and his team were eager to make Zen’s dream a reality.
“It was a really special day. Zen sparkled and seemed to soak in all the energy and attention from everyone,” recalled Robinson.
“Her golf cart was decorated right up with balloons, streamers, and our team gathered along a path and cheered and celebrated her as she headed down to the driving range wearing her sash and crown. She reciprocated with a queen’s wave,” he continued.
Putter Late Than Never
Hrdlicka’s opening tee shot on the Mount Lorette course could have rivalled a shot by Tiger Woods.
“The funny part of it was they had cameras all over the place, which I’m not used to. They had me putt, and darned if it didn’t go in the hole. But it was the only putt I’ve made all year. They managed to catch it on film, and it was on TV,” said Hrdlicka.
You would think Hrdlicka was competing in the PGA Tour with all the cameras. But even with all the attention, she could stay focused and finished the day with a score of 61—a remarkable feat for anyone, let alone a 99-year-old.
To put things in perspective, the average score for 18 holes of golf is 100. The typical recreational golfer scores 91 on a par 72 course, but Hrdlicka is no amateur golfer.
Her drive may no longer reach 100 yards, but her passion for the game and her competitive spirit are as strong as ever. The same can’t be said for many people her age.
A 2015 Harvard University study of over 2,500 adults found that more than 40 percent of people ages 18-25 still played sports.
However, once adults reached 26, only 26 percent continued to play sports, a number that continues to decline as one ages.
When asked about her secret to longevity, Hrdlicka offered a simple, tongue-in-cheek response: “Pills,” she said.
Pills aside, Hrdlicka is still very active and has been golfing since she was 30.
She still plays the Cochrane Riverside Golf Course once a week. When she isn’t golfing, she’s doing aquacise, which involves exercising in the pool.
As she reflects on her life, Hrdlicka feels content, having crossed many experiences off her living list.
At 92, she got a tattoo, and more recently, she’s enjoyed high tea at Fairmont Lake Louise and a chairlift up Sulphur Mountain.
As she looks ahead to her 100th birthday, Hrdlicka embodies the spirit of community and family, showing that life is meant to be fully surrounded by loved ones.
Whatever the future holds, it’s clear that Hrdlicka will embrace it with open arms. Who knows? Maybe she will try and beat her score for her centennial.
