“Back in the ‘90s,” he says, “I played over 300 rounds
a year—five or six, even seven days a week sometimes—
and for most of those I’d walk the course and carry my
own clubs. When you walk the entire 18 holes, it’s about
five miles, plus the weight of the bag. Now that’s a good
workout.”
Over the years, Walker also got involved with club
leadership by serving on the golf committee, then being
elected club president in 1996-97. He introduced player-
friendly changes in course operation—allowing walking
rounds any time of the day and carts on the fairways for
the benefit of older members—and other improvements
that have kept Long Cove Club among the nation’s top-
rated private clubs. He also developed a friendship with
Pete Dye (“he’s a treasure”) during the course architect’s
annual visits to the club and supported investment in a
complete restoration of the golf course that was completed
in October 2018. “They did an excellent job,” according
to Walker.
All the while, he’s continued to set course records: On
December 5, 2016—at age 80— Walker shot his fourth
hole-in-one on the Long Cove Club course, his seventh ace
overall during a half-century of play. “I tell people these
days that I don’t really play golf anymore, I play at it,” he
muses. “But that was a pretty good shot.”
Now in his 82nd year, Walker has cut back his golf
schedule to just two or three rounds a week, but enjoys
the game and his playing companions just as much. Has
that been his key to a healthy lifestyle?
“Well, I was blessed with great genes, and I watch what
I eat. We have a lot of seafood and fresh vegetables,” he
says. “And I do enjoy a cocktail, not every night, but I’ll
have one when I want one.
“It’s no secret that I enjoy golf and being around people
who make me laugh. I think that makes for a long and
happy life,” Walker notes. “It’s important to do as much
as you can to fill your life with the things you like to
do and do them with people you enjoy. Being married to
Hila is my greatest joy.” The Walkers recently celebrated
their 58th anniversary and cherish time with their son and
his family when they’re visiting from North Carolina, and
their daughter and two grandchildren who now also live
on Hilton Head Island.
That choice of location seems to have played a role
in his happy longevity as well. “Obviously, there’s been
growth and a lot of changes since we moved here in 1991,”
he says. “One new thing is that they’ve finally extended
the runway at the Hilton Head Airport, so regional jets
can fly in directly from Charlotte, and eventually Atlanta
and other places. I think that will help to keep the island
as a top retirement and vacation destination.
“But, one thing that hasn’t really changed that much
is the natural character of the island. Hilton Head has
done a magnificent job of maintaining the beauty of this
place,” he concludes. “And, the same is true of Long Cove
Club—it looks great, the people have been so friendly, we
have lots of good neighbors, and we share all these great
amenities. We really have been blessed.”
Gracious and a;able. Generous and polite. The folks
at Long Cove Club will tell you that Kenny Walker is
the kind of member who has made their community such
a special place for so long. There was only one reason
that he’d kindly point out that the hour allotted for this
interview was up.
He doesn’t want to be late for his tee time.
Teed Up | Long Cove Club
“It’s no secret that I enjoy golf
and being around people who
make me laugh. I think that
makes for a long and happy life.”
— Kenny Walker
