WATCH: ‘Exhausting’ 72-hole-challenge raises around £20k in memory of much-loved Inverness golfer
Golfers in Inverness raised around £20,000 after completing a “marathon” at the Kings Golf Club last week, as part of a Prostate Cancer UK challenge in memory of a much-loved former player.
The 26-mile day of golf, which is part of a UK-wide challenge to take on 36, 72 or 100 holes in one day to raise money for men affected by prostate cancer, saw dozens of golfers play four rounds of golf in around 24 hours straight.
Kings Golf Club professional Nikita Murdoch, who took part in the fundraiser, said: “The 72 hole challenge was a day I won’t forget taking part in and am already looking forward to giving it another go next year.
“For someone who has barely played more than four rounds this year, to take that on in one day was certainly a challenge! It was made a lot easier having the support of friends, family and members of the club on the day.
“Whilst we all finished slightly worn down & body aching, the knowledge that we raised a staggering amount of money for a great cause makes it all worth it!”
It is the third year that the club has hosted the event, with around 40 participants.
A group of Kings Golf Club golfers first arranged the charity day to raise funds in support of one its members, Billy Andrew, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2021.
In December that year, the friends held a Christmas Jumper golf day, which Billy was able to participate in. That night they resolved to set out on a 72-hole “marathon challenge” playing golf for 24 hours straight in a bid to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.
Club captain Andrew Stokes, who played in the first competition, said: “Billy had been in regular contact throughout the day as he had been recovering from all of the treatment he had been through to fight the cancer.
“But after the elation of completing the challenge, we were brought down to earth with the biggest thump you could imagine when Billy sadly passed away the next day.
“We were all devastated but from this adversity we talked about making the fundraising bigger for 2023.”
While last year raised a staggering £3000, this year, organisers upped the ante as they introduced a race night after the challenge, to raise more for the charity. Around £20,000 has been raised so far, with the grand total still to be announced due to an additional raffle fundraiser.
Lots of people went along to the event on Friday, June 21, to bid on a horse, have a dance and raise additional funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
Additionally, Craig Mckay, from Mckay’s at Kings Golf Club, raised £1000 for the charity after shaving off his beard at the race night.
Nikita said: “It’s always great to have the golf club supported by its members during social events and evenings.
“The race night was no different as over 80 club members and their partners turned up to place their bets on which horses they thought might win. A continuance from the Prostate 72-hole-challenge as we continued to raise more and more money on the day!
“A fantastic turn out and great evening.”
Kings Golf Club’s manager Graham Ramsay added: “A huge achievement from all that took part and those who donated.”
