Staff WriterSome of the biggest names in golf are trading trophies for a cause this June, as they sign up for the Big Golf Race to raise life-saving funds for Prostate Cancer UK. The Big Golf Race, which challenges golfers to complete 36, 72, or a punishing 100 holes in a single day, is underway across the country.
YouTube golf juggernaut Rick Shiels is leading the charge in the Big Golf Race this Friday, 13th June, at a Manchester course that’s sure to see more than its fair share of divots.
Alongside his trusted cameraman, Ben Wright, whose father is battling advanced prostate cancer, Shiels will tackle the Ultra Marathon of 100 holes—no easy feat, even for a man who spends more time on fairways than most of us do in the pub.
“The support we’ve received already has been incredible and it’s amazing to see the golfing community, and our YouTube golf community come together for Prostate Cancer UK,” said Rick.
“When Ben told me about his father’s diagnosis and his desire to take on The Big Golf Race, it was an immediate “yes” from me. I like to try and support Prostate Cancer UK every year if I can, having walked, cycled and hosted golf days, but 100 holes in a single day could be the toughest yet!” he added.
They won’t be trudging along alone, though. Motocaddy, the world’s best-selling electric trolley brand, is providing the electric trolleys needed to keep their legs—and spirits—moving.
Motocaddy has also pledged £100 for every birdie they make on the day, a tidy sum that could turn those sweet swings into serious donations.
Elsewhere, golf YouTuber and short game wizard Dan Grieve is taking on 36 holes at Woburn Golf Club, joined by his children—all under the age of ten.
Grieve’s heartfelt mission, set for Sunday, 22nd June, will be shared live on his social media, encouraging fans to join the Big Golf Race and do their bit to help save lives.
And they’re not alone. Earlier this month, television personality and Gladiators star Jamie Christian, known to millions as ‘Giant,’ led a 72-hole marathon challenge at Breadsall Priory in Derbyshire.
Motivated by his uncle’s battle with prostate cancer, Jamie and his pals raised £1,500 and counting, all in a single day’s work.
“It was an incredible day and one filled with emotion, reflection and pride,” said Jamie.
“Eight years ago my uncle was diagnosed with prostate. Thankfully he’s made a full recovering. But that wouldn’t have been possible without an early diagnosis which I know is a vital part of Prostate Cancer UK’s work.
The Big Golf Race brilliantly combines my love of golf and pushing my limits all for a fantastic charity close to my heart. It was an honour to go the distance on the golf course for my uncle and all the men and their families affected by the disease.
“I’m so glad we took it on. The support and donations have been overwhelming, and for anyone thinking about signing up for a challenge, my advice is simple: do it. You won’t regret it.”
Since its launch four years ago, the Big Golf Race has seen more than 14,000 golfers raise a staggering £4.4 million to back pioneering prostate cancer research.
This year, more than 2,500 golfers are already signed up, each with a personal reason to take the challenge and a shared mission: to stop prostate cancer in its tracks.
“All participants in this year’s Big Golf Race have their own motivation for taking part, but they share a collective mission: to stop men dying of prostate cancer – the most common cancer in men and now the most common cancer in England,” said Seren Evans, Head of Events and Community Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK.
“Once again, we encourage more golfers to go the distance to help save dads, grandads, brothers, partners and golf mates from a disease that affects 1 in 8 men and we wish them the best of luck,” she added.
Not to be outdone, PGA Professional Nicolas Brewaeys at West Cornwall Golf Club is swinging for a Guinness World Record, aiming to play the most holes in 24 hours by two golfers walking.
Meanwhile, at Beaconsfield Golf Club, 36 determined players led by Mark Taylor—joined by former rugby greats Kenny Logan and Craig Chalmers, both of whom have faced their own prostate cancer diagnoses—will each attempt 100 holes in one day.
Titleist is also stepping up, urging fans to join #TeamTitleist at their headquarters to take on the Big Golf Race and raise more funds for this vital cause.
For those signing up, the incentives are as sweet as a Sunday morning four-ball. Every participant gets a fundraising pack with golf balls, tees, pencils and a fundraising guide.
Raise £250, and you’re in with a chance to win a golfing holiday to Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus. The top fundraiser overall? A golf package worth £3,000 courtesy of Titleist.
So, if you’re ready to take a swing at something bigger than your handicap, sign up for the Big Golf Race today at biggolfrace.prostatecanceruk.org.
It’s time to play the round of your life—and help save lives while you’re at it.
