Dr. Joe Portera, an 83-year-old lifelong golfer, shot one of the best rounds of his life two weeks ago and he credits a local golf professional for helping him do it.
On Sept. 25, Portera shot a round of 69 at the Greenville Golf and Country Club. His three-under-par round was 14 shots lower than his age, an accomplishment few golfers will ever be able to brag about.
“It was a great round,” said Portera. “Everything was working for me. I made a six-foot putt on the last hole for birdie to seal the day.”
Witnessing Portera’s round were his four playing partners, Grant Dowdy, Phil Doolittle, Chris Morris and Rob O’Reilly.
Portera, still a practicing local optometrist who works at 20/20 Eye World in Greenville, has been playing golf for most of his life, but everyday he looks to improve.
Portera’s most recent improvements, he said, were a result of some helpful tips given to him by Greenville Golf and Country Club professional Nick Ellison.
“I was only able to do this because of Nick’s help,” Portera said. “I think that is the key at getting better. You have to be able to seek help from someone that can help you.”
Ellison, meanwhile, said Portera was an ideal pupil, willing to listen and work hard to get better.
“He plays so well because he works at it and keeps himself in such good shape,” Ellison said. “He is also a former baseball player and a talented athlete.”
