Charity challenge

Alistair Collin, a six-handicapper from Close House, is setting out to play the Golf Monthly Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK and Ireland while raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

Alistair, who had heart surgery in 2013 and suffered a subsequent heart attack in 2014, suffers from chronic fatigue. He has spent the last four years building back his energy and has now set his sights on playing the top 100 in the next two years while raising £20,000 for charity.

The courses include 50 English layouts, 24 courses in Scotland, 22 courses in Ireland and four in Wales.

The course furthest north from Alistair’s home is Royal Dornoch – 323 miles away. Trevose is the furthest south – 463 miles away while Tralee is 535 miles to the west. In playing all of the courses from the white tees, Alistair will hit the ball more than 375 miles and walk more than 550 miles.

“I wanted to put something back into the system as I’m very fortunate to have survived a serious heart condition,” said Alistair. “I had to retire aged 53 and really struggled after my heart attack. I’m pleased to say that I’m feeling as good as I have for years, so I’ve decided to take on a challenge that was bold but enjoyable. I have developed an outline plan of travel and the list of courses I need to play for the first 10 months is mouth-watering.”

Alistair starts the challenge at Close House in January and plans to complete it in November 2021.

If you’d like to support Alistair and the British Heart Foundation, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alistaircollintop100challenge