While most of Cornwall was asleep on Saturday morning, Nicolas Brewaeys stepped onto the first tee ahead of what proved to be a world record-setting weekend at West Cornwall Golf Club in St Ives.
Thirty-seven hours and two minutes later, PGA professional Nicolas walked off the 18th green having completed a remarkable 252 holes of golf - exceeding his target by over an hour - raising almost £6,000 for Prostate Cancer UK and writing his name into the history books.
Nicolas conquered swirling wind and downpours, failing Globalls and having to take on the challenge solo after his playing partner was ruled out through injury to set a new record for the longest consecutive time playing golf, beating the previous unofficial record of 36 hours by an hour and two minutes.
But for Nicholas, who also took on Prostate Cancer UK’s Big Golf Race last year, with a twist -completing 184 holes in 21 hours and 45 minutes - the weekend’s challenge was just a normal weekend at the golf course.
"Just another day at the office!" Nicolas said. "I’m really grateful to everyone who has donated; it’s amazing to have raised so much for Prostate Cancer UK and I can’t thank everyone who supported me enough.
"My legs feel surprisingly good today, but it was tough out there at times, especially during the night with the wind and rain. 14 out of the 18 Globalls I had failed, so there were times when I wondered if I had enough to get me through to daylight."
Nick’s challenge began at sunrise on Saturday and concluded on Sunday after 14 consecutive rounds of golf, assisted by injured playing partner, Ross Lawrence.
"Ross was brilliant; he told me what to eat and drink and when and was there for me throughout the night when things were getting difficult. I couldn’t have done it without him," he said.
And Nick’s record-setting efforts were made even sweeter when he discovered his son, Cameron, had won the under-12s County Championship at the club on the same day.
"I didn’t know he’d won until the final hole, so to come off the green and see him holding his trophy was quite emotional," he said. "It was an amazing weekend."
For Nick and Ross, their challenge was not just about testing endurance. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and golf clubs are full of men in the age groups most affected by the disease, and the pair hope the attempt will raise money while also encouraging more conversations around men’s health.
To support Nick and Ross’s challenge and help raise more money for Prostate Cancer UK, you can donate here: https://biggolfrace.prostatecanceruk.org/fundraising/200-holes-in-24-hours-for-ross-and-nick.
