Close House member Alistair Collin has made it past the halfway stage in his Top 100 Heart Challenge as he aims to raise money for the British Heart Foundation by playing each of Golf Monthly’s Top 100 golf courses in the UK & Ireland.
Delayed by Covid, Alistair has played 59 courses since starting the challenge at his home club in January 2020. He had adapted to challenges along the way – the biggest change being a switch from staying with friends and family or in B&Bs to travelling in a motorhome due to lockdowns.
He said: “It’s been an invigorating journey so far and while there have been some challenges, including the physical demands, I’m very much enjoying it. I still wake up looking forward to each of the rounds. The motorhome – AKA the command centre – has been an interesting development and is proving great fun as well as being very practical.
“Visits to The Open venues – Muirfield, Birkdale, Royal St George’s – stand out so far. So many of the courses are truly spectacular and they really deserve to be ranked among the very best.”
Alistair will be taking a break until February, when he will hit the road again, including his long-awaited trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland – which are home to 22 courses on the list.
“I’ve missed the deadline of my 60th birthday in November, but I’m hoping to have the 100 wrapped up in the summer of 2022,” he added. “My body is feeling the travel and the days are so short that it’s a good time to take a break. I’m excited to get across to Ireland in March and April, though my record of only playing eight holes under my umbrella so far might go when I’m over there.”
To date Alistair has raised more than £19,800 for the charity.
The courses in the Top 100 include 50 English layouts, 24 courses in Scotland, 22 in Ireland and four in Wales. In playing all of the courses, Alistair will hit the ball more than 375 miles and walk more than 550 miles. To support the challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alistaircollintop100challenge
