Golf: Golfing great bowing out

Sir Bob Charles has confirmed that next year will be his swansong year in professional golf.

Charles, 65, said he would quit the senior PGA tour at the end of 2001 and move into semi-retirement.

The move, which he confirmed from his Florida home, will close the curtain on New Zealand golf's most distinguished career. Knighted in January for services to the sport, he remains the only New Zealander to win a major - the 1963 British Open.

Charles, a professional for more than 40 years, still plans to play a full season in 2001, including the New Zealand Open. He may play in the odd tournament past 2001.

He finished 60th on the senior money list this year, earning $US282,370 ($665,000) and said he would have few regrets when he finally retired.

"My game is not dramatically falling away. It is slipping but not to the extent I want to leave right away," he said.

However, if his form or health deteriorated he would quit the tour immediately and return to his Canterbury farm.

"I was a little disappointed with my finish on the senior tour this year," he said.

"In fact it was my worst yet. The newcomers are getting younger and better all the time, which pushes us old guys down the money list."

After 2001 he would spend half the year in New Zealand and the other half in Florida.

"I have a grandchild in Florida and one in London who I want to see more of. Plus my parents at home, who are 91 and 86, aren't getting any younger, so it will be good to take it easy and see a bit more of them."

- NZPA