Members of Carlisle Golf Club raised more than £54,000 for Prostate Cancer UK by taking part in the charity’s Big Golf Race.
The club reserved the course for the challenge on Sunday June 14 after head PGA professional Nicky Tibbetts was approached with the idea by his friend Liam Burns, who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“A couple of his friends and a few other members had also either been diagnosed or were getting treatment for prostate cancer, and we felt it would be great to fundraise for it and raise awareness as a club,” Nicky told The PGA.
“We thought, instead of doing it as individuals, it would be an amazing challenge and have much more impact if we tried to take it on as a golf club.”
Members at Carlisle were given three challenges to choose from. The half marathon required participants to complete 36 holes and walk approximately 13 miles, and the marathon involved playing 72 holes and walking approximately 26 miles in a single day. Those taking on the ultra-marathon played 100 holes and covered approximately 35 miles.
Golfers started the challenge as early as 4.30am, and 11 members took on the ultra-marathon challenge, with several standout moments during the day.
Ian Manley recorded a hole-in-one on his 53rd hole, while 12-year-old Oscar Gilligan completed 100 holes. Brian Allen also conquered the ultra-marathon challenge, completing 100 holes in just over 11 hours, while 84-year-old Anne Nichol completed 36 holes.
Carlisle Golf Club currently sits at the top of the Big Golf Race leaderboard, which tracks the fundraising milestones of those who participate.
“The event has really brought the club together. It was just a fantastic day,” added Nicky. “I couldn’t recommend it highly enough for clubs to get involved. It’s a great cause, and the event brings a club together.”
