adminwho joined Royal Harare Golf Club in May, 1967, was presented with a green bench after he celebrated his 100th birthday last week.
A veteran pilot of the World War Two, Green, turned 100 years on August 21 and is still an avid golfer.
Staff at Royal Harare, where Green had been frequenting for the past 45 years hosted a small function where Wild Bill was bestowed with honourary life membership.
The solid wooden green bench has a plaque engraved: “In recognition of Bill Green’s 100th birthday, celebrated by playing golf on August 21, 2012: donated by Marbel.
Marbel Doward was a close friend of Green.
Royal Harare general manager Ian Mathieson yesterday said Green is the only centurion still involved with the famous golf course.
“Bill joined Royal Harare in May 1965 and he has seen a lot of captains, players, presidents and workers go, on this golf club.
“From the staff here at Royal Harare, we just want to say thank you for your generosity and kindness towards us.
“Whenever, you want to come and play here, please feel free,” said Mathieson.
Part of the staff at Royal Harare yesterday sang famous “Happy Birthday” tune to Green.
Green said he was humbled by the gesture bestowed upon him and believes he has built a lot of friendship from the golf course.
“I have never been a great golfer. Maybe my best handicap was an eight.
“But it was at the golf course where I have made many friends,” said Green.
Green, has been entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest dare devil.
He achieved the feat of being the oldest pilot to complete a wing walk on a plane at the age of 88 years, 10 months and seven days while flying at the Border Aman Club in East London.
“I have more friends here at Royal Harare than I would have found anywhere else. Certainly, I am very surprised and delighted because I did not know anything like this was being done for me.
“I presume the bench will remain here,” he said.
Bill has been to Australia after flying on the Virgin Atlantic in the past and recently he received a special magnum of champagne and card from Queen Elizabeth.
“I have not been playing golf for some time now. But I intend to play sometime next week.
“Maybe nine holes will do,” he said.
Green said he started off his golfing career as a caddie to former British Prime Minister, Ramsay Macdonald, who died in 1937.
“I was a caddie for Sir Ramsay Macdonald and then I was around 14 years.
“He taught me a few things on golf then. But I must say it was bit old fashioned and I never really played until I came to Royal Harare,” he said.
Green has worked at The Herald, a company he joined as an apprentice in 1927 and was instrumental in the growth of the company before his retirement.
Harare mayor, Muchadeyi Masunda, who is the current president at Royal Harare said the club was pleased to have Green as their member.
“There are very few centurions in the world and we are very pleased as Royal Harare to have one as our member,” he said.
Royal Harare captain Tham Mpofu said Green has been a pillar of inspirational to the club.
“It’s an incredible milestone for someone to achieve 100 years.
“As Royal Harare captain, and on behalf of the members we thank him for the support he has given to the club.
“We hope to see him in more years to come,” said Mpofu.
Online Reporter