Bibba Jones recently was named the Andalusia Women’s Golf Association’s match play champion.

Jones, who is about to celebrate her 86th birthday, said she took up golf at age 20 while living in Brewton.

“My friend Millie Milsap called me one morning and said, ‘Let’s go play golf.’ ”

Mrs. Jones said the only instruction she was ever given was, “Keep your left arm straight, wiggle your fanny, and hit the ball.”

It’s a method that’s worked well for her for 65 years.

Growing up in Mobile, Mrs. Jones attended Murphy High School. She recalled than when class favorites were chosen, it wasn’t announced what the person was chosen for.

“It broke my heart when I found out I had been voted ‘most athletic girl,’ ” she said.

She grew up playing tennis, and kept at the game for years. But golf, she said, was her love.

“It can be frustrating,” she said. “There’s that little ball and you know you can hit it …. But sometimes you can’t.”

But time on the golf course, for her, is an energizing escape.

“It’s like therapy for me,” she said. “I don’t think about anything else. And most people I know can’t play tennis at 85.”

Mrs. Jones said she always played for enjoyment, and never took lessons other than group instructions.

“I was never going to be a pro,” she said.

The women in the AWGA play each Thursday morning, and most of the group also plays on Tuesdays. They also get at least one round in on the weekend, she said.

Asked what advice she’d give to someone considering taking up golf, she said, “Do it! It’s really a good outlet for anybody.”