For many, golf is a social and leisurely activity that allows for time spent outdoors, but for four Wellington-based young professionals, the opportunity to play a whole day of golf to raise funds for the Cancer Society was one that could not be missed.
The Cancer Society’s ‘Longest Day Golf Challenge' is a golfing endurance event that tests the skill and stamina of its participants. The challenge is to complete four rounds of golf - that's 72 holes - in one day to raise funds for the Cancer Society. The event takes advantage of the increased sunlight hours during summer, but participants can take part on any day in December or January.
Tom Fitall’s team, The Fore Horsemen, took part in the challenge last year, generously raising over $5,000 between them.
“By 2020 we had the golfing bug and saw this event as a way to feed our addiction while raising money for a fantastic cause. We were determined to take on the challenge”, said Tom
Starting shortly after 5am, the group teed off at Manor Park Golf Sanctuary for the first 18 holes, before heading to Royal Wellington Golf Club to complete the remaining 54. After 15 and a half hours, with each player covering over 45km on foot, the team had done it, finishing up at around 9pm. Although the quality of their swings had slowly decreased, their spirits remained high.
“By the end of the day we had people cheering us on at the course and it was motivating to know we had a team of supporters behind us. We were certainly sore the next day”, said Tom.
Cancer Society’s Wellington Fundraising and Communications Manager, John Henton said, "We are extremely grateful for the golfers who raised $25,000 from the inaugural Longest Day Golf Challenge in 2020.
Every dollar raised will go towards providing cancer care in our community, education and awareness programmes, and life-saving cancer research. It's a fun and challenging way to support families with cancer, and whatever your level of skill, it’s a brilliant day out with your mates.”
This year’s event is the biggest yet, and it’s easy to get involved. Choose the day, the course, tell your mates and make the team – or do it solo.
Whether it's driving cancer patients to treatment, free specialist advice and support, providing personal care or offering accommodation when undergoing treatment far from home - the Cancer Society is here to help.
To register and find out more about the Longest Day Golf Challenge, visit www.longestday.org.nz