On the heels of one of the most successful Niles City Golf Tournaments in history, Plym Park Golf Course was paid a visit by a former champion recently.

Just after the completion of the tournament, which drew more than 100 golfers who competed July 16-17, Grace Odenback Selent stopped by the course to play a round.

Selent, who is 95, won the Niles City Golf Tournament, then known as the Berrien County Tournament, 75 years ago in 1940 through 1942.

“It was such a delight to return to Niles to bring a flood of fond memories back. Even had the perfect weather,” Selent said. “I never dreamed I’d be back here 75 years later blessed enough to swing a club. I broke a hip three summers ago and am just now regaining enough balance to try again.

“Prior to my fall I was playing twice a week. I hope to regain some of that form if that’s possible at 95.”

Selent began learning the game of golf at 12 at Martin Hills in St. Joseph where her father was the owner-operator.

“My brother and I grew up with the chores of operation and a club in our hands. St. Joe High School brought their girl PE classes to Martin Hills for me to teach golf to them when I was a junior and a senior. I graduated from there in 1939.

“I was fortunate enough to win a few local course tournaments before the three Berrien County championships in a row.”

Selent said that marriage followed and she had four boys to raise and teach the game of golf to as well.

Dave, Ray, Gary and Dennis all attended Dowagiac High School.

What does Selent remember best about winning those tournaments?

“I was just a teenager and was winning in the women’s event,” she said. “That was a thrill for this country girl.”

Selent lives permanently in Lake Wales, Florida, but spends summers at the family cottage at Warner Camp in Grand Junction.