Tue, Jan 19, 2021 3:41 PM

Longest day awaits Blenheim golfers

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Peter Jones

Keeping their ball on the fairway will take on extra significance for a group of Blenheim Golf Club members who will tackle the Cancer Society/New Zealand Golf “Longest Day” challenge on Sunday.

Reducing the distance they walk as they play four 18-hole rounds back-to-back at the central Blenheim course will be key for the six players as they endeavour to complete the 72-hole fundraiser in around 12-13 hours.

Organiser Mike McDonald, who will team up with fellow “Waterlea Wanderers” Mike Gardiner, Brian Yarrall, Blue Arthur, Buck Asplet and Ryan Windleburn, said their reason for taking on the challenge was three-fold.

“All the guys involved have played top level sport at some stage and like a good challenge.

“They have all, in one way or other, been affected by cancer and are keen to help raise awareness, whether by using sunblock, wearing hats … whatever helps.

“We are also keen to get the club members and community behind us,” he added.

Donations can be made on-line at www.longestday.org.nz or at the clubhouse on the day. The group and club have also organised individual fundraising.

A trio of golfers from the Marlborough Golf Club have already completed a Longest Day fundraiser, bringing in around $4500 after playing for 15 hours.

Mike estimates the Blenheim group, whose average age is 60 and have handicaps ranging from 3-14, will walk around 24km during the course of the four rounds.

The Wanderers will make an early start, beginning around 5.30am, and are hoping for plenty of support from club members and fellow golfers as they circumnavigate the course.

“We are young and certainly not athletes,” said Mike, “I guess you could call us grafters.

“We are challenging ourselves … it will be a bit of an adventure which we think we can complete and raise money for a good cause.”

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