Some of the most recognisable names in golf – familiar to millions of fans each week – are throwing their support behind Prostate Cancer UK this June by taking on their own Big Golf Race challenges to help raise vital funds to help save men’s lives. Throughout June – which has days with the most sunlight and hosts Men’s Health Week – golfers are taking to the fairways to play 36, 72 or 100 holes in a day.
Among those stepping up is Rick Shiels, one of the world’s most-watched golf YouTubers, who will take on the ultimate test: the 100-hole Ultra Marathon. He’ll be joined by his cameraman, Ben Wright, whose father is living with advanced prostate cancer. Their challenge is scheduled for this Friday June 13, in Manchester and will include a post-round BBQ and fan meet-and-greet. Supporting their epic effort is Motocaddy, the world’s best-selling electric trolley brand, which is supplying electric trolleys to help them complete the 100-hole challenge. Motocaddy is also generously pledging £100 per birdie made throughout the day, further boosting the fundraising total.
“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 Shiels. “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.
Adding to the list of high-profile participants supporting Prostate Cancer UK’s Big Golf Race is short game specialist and popular YouTuber Dan Grieve. A Master PGA Professional – a title held by only 64 coaches since 1963 – Grieve is taking on a heartfelt 36-hole challenge alongside his young children, all under the age of ten. Based at Woburn Golf Club, Grieve will share his family-focused challenge with fans across his social media channels on Sunday June 22, inspiring others to get involved in the campaign to help save men’s lives.
One challenge that took place earlier this month at Breadsall Priory in Derbyshire, was led by television personality and Gladiators star Jamie Christian, better known as ‘Giant.’ Motivated by his uncle’s prostate cancer diagnosis and recovery, Jamie and close friends took on the gruelling 72-hole Marathon Challenge, successfully completing it and raising an impressive £1,500 and counting so far.
“It was an incredible day and one filled with emotion, reflection and pride,” said Christian. “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.”
The Big Golf Race is golf’s biggest fundraising challenge in the UK and Prostate Cancer UK’s most successful fundraiser. Since its launch four years ago, more than 14,000 golfers have raised an incredible £4.4 million to help fund pioneering research aimed at transforming the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Over 2,500 golfers are already teeing it up this summer in their bid to go the distance to save men’s lives.
“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.
Prostate Cancer UK partner Titleist is also encouraging its fans to take part in a challenge with up to 12 players joining #TeamTitlesit to take on The Big Golf Race at the brand’s headquarters.
Golfers who sign-up to The Big Golf Race will receive a fundraising pack, including golf balls, tees, pencils and a fundraising guide, plus there are opportunities to earn incentive gifts with every swing. Every golfer who raises £250 will be entered into a draw to win a golfing holiday Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus, while the overall top fundraiser will claim the ultimate golf package worth £3,000, courtesy of Titleist.
