How to prepare for a charity golf marathon

You may have signed up for Prostate Cancer UK’s The Big Golf Race which aims to raise awareness of the most common cancer in men. If you have done so, you will be getting ready to play 36, 72 or even 100 holes in a day. And that is quite an undertaking, no matter what age you might be.

If you are planning such a golf marathon there are some things you need to do.

How to Play 36, 72 or 100 Holes in One Day!

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

First and foremost, understand that 100 holes of golf in one day requires some serious physical effort. Is your body really up to playing five rounds of golf in a single day? If you are aiming to walk then you are going to have to wait until June or July to have any chance of completing such a task - and it is a task! 

While walking is encouraged for the full experience, if that isn't possible, perhaps you should be speaking to your golf club and asking them if they will provide you with a buggy. And remember that if you are playing five rounds then you are going to need more than one buggy.

You are going to need to do some proper forward planning. No matter how many rounds of golf you are aiming to play, you are going to have to liaise with the pro’s shop regarding your tee times, and you are going to have to make sure that they make club members aware of what you are doing.

This is for charity, so you need to know that other golfers know you are fighting against the clock and will wave you through.

Get a small support team in place. This may sound unnecessary but think about it - four or five rounds of golf without a break is an exhausting thing to do. You are going to need somebody to come out and provide you with food and water. Whatever else you do, avoid the temptation to drink alcohol while on the course. If you are out there on a baking hot day it is all too easy to reach for the cold beer but it is not going to do you any good at all. You are going to need LOTS of water and energy bars. And at some point you will want a sandwich or something rather more substantial to eat. Your body is like a car - it needs fuel. And it needs the right fuel.

Wait until you come off the 18th green for the final time before downing that well-deserved beer.

Preparation is everything. If you normally only play once or twice a week, your body is going to protest at being asked to play two, three, four or five rounds of golf at one sitting. In the days and weeks beforehand, you really should consult a fitness expert for proper advice. The last thing you want is to be raising thousands of pounds for Prostate Cancer UK and then discover that your body cannot function for days afterwards.

You are almost certainly not going to be doing this on your own. Make sure you play with friends and agree before going out that you are not going to spend ages looking for lost balls. This is not a day for thinking about your score. This is a day for keeping the ball in play and getting around without delay.

Don’t just take my word for it.

Here is what Graeme Tomlinson, also known as The Fitness Chef, has to say:

"Do you need a full set of clubs? Are you really going to use four wedges? And three hybrids? I’d definitely recommend keeping your 7 iron in the bag but consider a lighter bag especially if you are carrying for 72 holes. 

"Have back-up supplies of whatever you are eating and drinking in the locker room or in your car in a cool box, this saves you carrying all your food and drink round for the whole day. And you could apply the same strategy for golf balls too.

"It’s an old favourite but have some bananas in the bag, or some energy gels to perk you up. Protein bars can also be a convenient snack to graze on throughout the day, but I recommend having at least one large meal after one of your rounds. This could be some sandwiches or a chilled, pre-cooked meal in your coolbox.

"Hydration is going to be the most important consideration. If you’re dehydrated it will affect your performance and could be dangerous if it’s a really hot day. If you are feeling thirsty it means you are dehydrated already. I recommend taking a few sips of water every 2-3 holes for the whole day rather than consuming lots at once. Consider packing rehydration tablets and try and stay off the booze, particularly in the first couple of rounds on a hot day! 

"Make sure you have a hat and sunscreen in your bag. Topping up after each round even if it’s not that sunny. 

"Have a spare pair of socks and top, change after two rounds. You’ll feel reborn."

What You Need to Know About The Big Golf Race

Most of us know somebody who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Thankfully, it is a condition that, if caught early, can be treated successfully, with patients going on to live a full and healthy life.

Prostate Cancer UK is the organisation behind something called The Big Golf Race. 

This is not your typical round on the course - it’s a big day out where every swing saves lives.

You can organise your own Big Golf Race and take on 36, 72 or 100 holes in one day. By going the distance on the course, you will be helping fund vital research, raising awareness, and moving us closer to a future where men can find prostate cancer early enough to be cured.

If you would like to know more, please click here!