Australian golf legend Dan Cullen was renowned for beating the odds - and it's a trait that allowed him to live to 101.
Cullen died on Australia Day after battling a short illness, but he will forever be remembered in Australian golf folklore.
In 1977 and at the age of 64, Cullen became the oldest qualifier for the British Open.
He teed off in a field including Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Bob Shearer, Graham Marsh and Gary Player.
But that feat pales in comparison to his ability to survive during World War II.
In 1941, Cullen enlisted in the RAAF.
Even though he didn't even have his car licence at the time, he was soon entrusted with flying planes.
For three years, he piloted Lancaster bombers over Europe - a job that held less than a one-in-four chance of surviving 30 missions.
Cullen piloted 32 operational flights over Europe and survived.
He somehow managed to beat the odds. But it wasn't without incident.
On a routine bombing run over Friedrichshafen, in April, 1944, Cullen's plane was crippled and his crew were injured after being struck by an enemy shell.
Despite the situation, Cullen continued the mission and eventually landed safely with only one engine in operation.
The next morning, Cullen's plane was assessed. The inspectors stopped counting after 150 holes.
His heroics under fire earned Cullen the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) medal.
And in July last year, he also received the Legion d'Honneur Medal - the highest decoration in France - for his war service.
On returning home to Australia in 1945, Cullen was appointed club professional at Sydney's Roseville Golf Club before moving to St Michael's Golf Club.
Between 1948 and 1960, Cullen served as Director and Chairman of the NSW PGA.
He became President of the PGA in 1951, and held the role until 1955.
Born in Bunbury, Western Australia in 1914, Cullen learnt the basics of the game without any golf equipment.
Instead, he used a piece of tree or a pipe to hone his skills during the early years.
Eventually, the proper equipment came his way, and Cullen would go on to develop a reputation as a respected club professional and capable golfer.
Cullen joined the PGA in 1932 after completing his traineeship at the Western Australian Golf Club under the guidance of club professional Eric Alberts, before moving to the Cottesloe club.
In 1937 and 1938, Cullen won the West Australian Open. And in 1939, he defeated South African Bobby Locke in an exhibition game at Royal Perth Golf Club.
Cullen taught golf to thousands of people through Cullen's Driving Range, which he operated from the late 1960s next to the St Michaels club.
Share
