12 Tips For Completing a Marathon Golf Challenge

If you have visited a golf club recently or spent any time on social media you will probably be aware of Prostate Cancer UK’s The Big Golf Race, in which they are trying to encourage us to take part in a golf marathon to raise money for research into what is one of the most common forms of cancer - but one that is readily treatable if caught in time.

Have you ever taken part in a golf marathon? I have, and I am here to tell you that it is a challenge that is not to be taken lightly. After the tsunami in 2004 myself and three friends decided that it would be a good idea to play 90 holes in a day to raise money for the survivors.

You may think such a challenge is little more than a walk in the park. I am here to tell you that it is not.

Featured Content

Even though we were in buggies, by the end of it all we were utterly exhausted and every muscle in my body ached. Towards the end the last thing I wanted to do was to hit a golf ball. You might think that your game would improve as the day goes on but that certainly did not happen with us.

How to Prepare For a Golf Marathon

1. Get your sponsorship forms out early and chase people to commit cash. Decide whether people are going to sponsor you per hole or per round - and make sure they know in advance how much it could cost them. Alternatively, agree a fixed sum.

2. Decide how many holes you are going to play - 90 seemed like a good idea at the time but I would recommend you play no more than 72.

3. Speak to your golf club, in particular to the professional. Agree a date and ask him to ensure that everybody else on the course knows you are playing a marathon and should wave you through as a priority.

4. If you are completing your challenge in an electric buggy find out how many rounds it will last for before the battery goes flat - and ensure the pro has another one ready at the end of your first or second round. You really don’t want to be left high and dry!

5. Do some preparation. If you are only used to playing 18 holes every couple of days then it stands to reason that your body is going to protest if you suddenly ask it to play 72 holes - or more. Maybe you should head to your local gym and get some advice. And please make sure that you warm up before you start your marathon.

6. Decide on a format - if there are four of you, you can stay with the same playing partner and play four rounds of matchplay. Or you could change partners at the end of each round.

7. You will be playing faster than normal and that means your standards may drop so please ensure you have lots of golf balls.

8. Tell the club steward/bar manager that you are going to be out on the course for hours and ask them to get somebody to come out in a buggy with food and water every couple of hours. AVOID alcohol.

9. Ensure you are properly hydrated - and that means drinking lots of water.

10. The night before your challenge, offer up a little prayer for a day that is dry but not too hot. When we played the temperature hit around 25C - it was horrible!

11. The day after your challenge, prepare to feel as stiff as an ironing board. It took me the best part of a week to fully recover. Most bodies are not designed or built to swing a golf club for four or five rounds in one day.

12. Collect your money and give yourself and your playing partners a pat on the back.