Why Prostate Cancer UK's Big Golf Race means so much

Since it was first launched in 2020, The Big Golf Race has been a spectacular fundraising success, generating over £6 million for Prostate Cancer UK in support of its mission to fund vital research and raise awareness in the fight against the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease in this country.

Using the power of golf has been a masterstroke. Thousands of golfers across the land come together each summer and take on a marathon challenge, playing 36, 72 or 100 holes in one day. 

The camaraderie of this experience is special, the journey truly rewarding, with participants joining The Big Golf Race with their own personal story behind them, many of whom have been personally impacted by prostate cancer.

Inspiration For Taking Part in The Big Golf Race

Andrew Stokes has a tale just like that. First taking part in The Big Golf Race in 2022, in support of close friend Bill Andrew, who had been diagnosed with the disease, the Scotsman has completed the challenge four times with a group of regular golf partners, raising a fabulous £70,900 for Prostate Cancer UK at Kings Golf Club in Inverness.

Describing his introduction to the event, Andrew explains just how poignant it became. "A group of us decided to do The Big Golf Race as we all play golf. Bill didn’t take part on the day, but he followed us throughout and was delighted when we finished.

"Unfortunately, the following day, his son called to say he had passed away that night. As a group, we decided to try to grow The Big Golf Race and get 72 players to play the four rounds of golf at our course in one day."

However, things took a dramatic turn for Andrew when he himself was later diagnosed with prostate cancer. Having reported some troubling symptoms (frequent nighttime urinating, blood spotted in back passage due to suspected piles) over a prolonged period, the father of two, pushed by wife Catriona, made an appointment with his GP, where the pathway to diagnosis began.

"When he (the doctor) examined me, he asked if I wanted an additional check of my prostate. He was already there or thereabouts, so I said to go for it. He found some abnormalities and did the PSA blood test then and there. He did explain that manipulating the prostate can also cause an abnormal high reading.

"My PSA was 13, so I went on to be examined again by a senior urology nurse and they said there's definitely something not right. I had a biopsy, then MRI, then bone scan. The results came back as prostate cancer. It only took about 8-10 weeks - the hardest bit in the whole process was that period of waiting to find out if it's something curable. I thought, was I going to be in Chris Hoy's situation?"

Importance of Early Detection For Prostate Cancer

Early detection is essential to a positive outcome and, gratefully, Andrew was fortunate to catch his prostate cancer in time. "I was lucky enough to catch it early enough to go on hormone treatment. Six months later I started radiotherapy. I had another PSA test last week, and I'm very pleased to say on January 13th 2026, I got the best news that my PSA levels were back to normal, with a reading of 0.8. I will continue to be on a three-month blood test routine to monitor my PSA levels."

The 61-year-old has become evangelical about encouraging others at the golf club to be tested. "When one of my friends went to the doctor for something else, he said he didn't need a PSA blood test, but I told him I didn't want to hear him saying he hadn't got it done. Lo and behold, he's got it too. He's caught it so early and started radiotherapy in January 2026. If he had put it off, it could have been a different story."

Surprisingly, there isn't a national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK, which Andrew is determined to see changed.

"Prostate cancer is everywhere. I was desperately disappointed that they didn't approve a screening programme. I understand they need something that does a better job than the PSA blood test. 80% of the guys I talk to didn't find out because they went for a prostate check though, it was a sore back or other symptoms that just don't add up in your head to prostate cancer. One thing that has struck me is that a decision not to screen was based on the PSA blood test not being good enough, yet when they check if the treatment has been successful, the PSA blood test is the only test done to check if you no longer need more treatment."

How a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Changes You

Having completed his treatment, Andrew reflects on the experience of living through prostate cancer. "I feel quite blessed in all honesty because of my outcome. I've had to go through stuff, but I'm quite stoic. I don't dwell on it too much. I am very thankful - I was so glad I had piles, because without that, I probably wouldn't have gone to the doctor and by the time I saw side effects it would have been a very different conversation with the oncology team. It also means I've been able to tell my son about his increased risk. There are some things that have happened that make me feel very fortunate, rather than unfortunate. I don't look back and feel angry about any of it. It's just one of these things. I'm eating healthier, I've changed a lot, I don't drink as much, I'm living a different lifestyle, so lots of positive things."

That has naturally inspired yet another bid at The Big Golf Race where the target for this year is £60,000. 

Why You Should Participate in The Big Golf Race in 2026

But what would Andrew say to those who might be feeling intimidated about taking on a challenge like this?

"I say to people that if I can do it, anyone can. I'm a big guy - if I can walk four rounds in 24 hours then most people can. It sounds a lot, but the sacrifice you go through is nothing compared to what those with cancer go through. That's worked for me, but then it is personal to me.

"To strangers to the cause: if you can play one round of 18 holes, you can play 72. It's about planning, food, drinking plenty of liquids, and the more people you do it with, the easier it is. We started with eight the first year, then 16, then 32 and now up to 72. Almost everyone that does it once comes back year after year. It's an amazing thing to do - we get up at 4am and finish at 10pm at night. There's a lot of camaraderie. 

"We mix it up a bit and make it competitive, and make each round feel different. Singles, pairs, alternate shot, team approach. That makes it more enjoyable, and it is a lot of fun. Most golfers are competitive! They want to get better or win, it's part of the joy of it."

Reflecting on his journey as part of The Big Golf Race since 2022, Andrew commented on the biggest moments in that time.

"Finishing in 2025 was a real highlight for me. With everything I had going on at the time - particularly with my prostate cancer diagnosis - reaching my goal of getting so many players involved and completing all four rounds, meant so much! I was a bit emotional at the end. To get to that point and raise so much money, I was so delighted. And to know we can continue that going forward. "

It's set to be another memorable year for The Big Golf Race with Andrew, and all those at Kings Golf Club, being part of things in the capital of the Highlands.

Each individual or group who gets involved has their own story or inspiration behind that decision. The initial motivation for Andrew was supporting his late friend, Bill, whose memory remains the driving force, then it became a mission to grow, and now the objective is carrying that message even further.

We'd encourage everyone who can to participate this year in The Big Golf Race - it really does make a difference.