Golfers to play 42 courses in 24 hours for Alzheimer's charity
Jun 21 2010 by Brian Daniel, The Journal
FORTY two courses, 365 miles, 24 hours – that’s the novel challenge facing four plucky golfers.
Peter Simpson and three golfing buddies are aiming to play a hole at every course in Northumberland today.
Peter, the full-time manager and secretary at Alnmouth Golf Club, has organised the challenge to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society, after his 87- year-old mum Florence suffered from dementia prior to her death last year.
The 49-year-old, of Coquet Avenue, Whitley Bay, will be joined by Stan Rutter and Ali Browne, both of who also live in the town and are members of its club. Making up the four is Barry Walker, from Ryton, Gateshead, who plays at Tyneside Golf Club in the village.
Peter, who has had two stints heading up the Alnmouth club totalling around five and a half years, said: “I was trying to think of something which had not been done in this area.
“I thought up the idea of playing on every course in Northumberland in a day, that was a bit different and I am pretty sure it had not been done before.”
The challenge was organised for today, as it is the longest day and will have the most hours of daylight.
The four, driven by fellow golfing pal Mark Graham, are to start at Whitley Bay at 3.30am.
Over the day, they will follow a 365-mile route which will take them to the 42 courses, with the target of finishing at Backworth at 9pm.
The friends will play as far north as Berwick, as far south as Slaley and as far west as Haltwhistle. They have arranged to play the hole nearest to the road at each course so they can get on and off as quickly as possible.
Peter admits the challenge is a tough one and said: “We have planned a route and can only hope we don’t get held up in traffic.”
Each club has allowed the men to play the hole for free, with some even offering to provide a buggy to save them time.
Grateful Peter said: “They have all been very good, no one has put any stops in our way.”
The men will be keeping score and will have a wager on the outcome. But the main aim is to raise money for the charity, with Peter hoping to top £1,000 in memory of his mother.
He said: “My mother suffered from dementia in her later years and I would like to make a contribution towards relieving the suffering of others and their families.”
