Whole lotta money from Hole Lotta Golf

Marlborough’s Cancer Society received a cash boost late last month as the Hole Lotta Golf! team handed over funds raised from their 24-hour golf marathon.

Jamie Norton, Matt Croad, Bob Tate and Jason Giblin played golf non-stop from 7pm Saturday until 7pm Sunday in a bid to raise funds for the Cancer Society Marlborough.

The quartet handed over a cheque for a massive $32,827.75 at a special ceremony at the Cancer Society office on Monday.

Marlborough Cancer Society centre manager Felicity Spencer says after a difficult year, the awesome, inspiring effort of the golfing team was a much-needed boost.

The Cancer Society missed out on Daffodil Day Street collections this year due to Covid, leaving a gaping funding hole for the vital charity.

Cancer Society board member Corey Hebberd says the record-setting event stemmed that hole, and thanked the foursome.

The group are likely to take out the top title for funds raised by a team in New Zealand.

“I want to recognise the hard yards you put in. You make it possible for us to do our jobs,” Felicity told the team on Monday.

During the hours of darkness they used impact-activated LED golf balls which glowed for five minutes after being struck. The specially-designed balls, which are harder than normal, brought about the event’s major casualty, the head of Jason’s hybrid club shattering on impact.

However, this was a minor setback for the foursome, who finished in fine fettle, if a little emotional. There were reports of chaffing in areas of concern and sore feet, resulting in some finishing the marathon in their socks.

They covered approximately 79km non-stop - fuelled by seven coffee rounds, five powerades, bacon butties, venison, toasties, sausage rolls, pies, plus protein shakes and energy bars.

Jamie says the event far exceeded their expectations of what they could achieve.

“Cancer Society do a fantastic job and we wanted to help out as much as we could,” he says.