'100 Holes Challenge' for duo

Scottish Club Golfer pair prepare to tackle marathon golf day for Yorkhill Children’s Charity

TWO members of the team behind Scottish Club Golfer are gearing up to attempt playing 100 holes of golf in just one day.

Tom Lovering, the director of parent company PSP Publishing Ltd, and assistant editor Michael McEwan will take on the challenge on June 22 this year at Kingsbarns Golf Links.

Their challenge will involve playing the famous links course near St Andrews five-and-a-half times and they expect to playing golf continuously for around 18 hours, covering around 23 miles on foot in the process.

The duo will also be joined by two different guests for each of their five full rounds as they attempt to raise thousands of pounds for Yorkhill Children’s Charity.

DETERMINED

“To most people, playing Kingsbarns more than five times is probably their idea of golfing heaven,” said Lovering. “However, five-and-a-half times in one day is probably closer to hell than heaven!

“It’s going to be a seriously tough challenge. Not only will we be walking the whole way and carrying our own bags, we will also have to average just under three-and-a-half hours per round to complete the 100 holes before it gets dark.

“It won’t be easy but, compared to what some of the kids at Yorkhill are going through on day-to-day basis, it’s absolutely nothing.

“We are both absolutely determined to raise as much money as possible for this brilliant charity. They’re the people doing the really impressive work.”

The duo are no strangers to feats of endurance. Tom completed the New York Marathon in 2013, raising £12,000 for Yorkhill in the process. Michael, meanwhile, has run three marathons - Loch Ness in 2011, Berlin in 2012 and, most recently the London Marathon in 2014 - and also played 72 holes in one day for Macmillan Cancer Research in 2013 at the Gleneagles Hotel.

He added: “Playing 72 holes in a day sounds like nothing. It’s not until you try it that you realise just how completely exhausting and energy-sapping it actually is.

“So, the prospect of doing all that again but, this time, adding an extra 28 holes is a little daunting but Tom and I are determined to do it.

“Knowing that we are doing our bit for such a great charity and helping to raise awareness and vital funds for them will make the whole experience that bit easier, I’m sure.

APPRECIATED

“It will all be for nothing, however, if we are unable to get people to sponsor us so I would urge everybody reading this to please dig deep. Anything you can contribute - no matter how small - will not only be massively appreciated by Tom and I. It will also make a massive difference to Yorkhill Children’s Charity and help them to continue the fantastic work that they do, taking care of some of the country’s most ill and vulnerable kids.”

Alan Hogg, the chief executive of Kingsbarns Golf Links, added that a tough test awaits the duo on June 22.

He said: “Both Tom and Michael have played here before, so should have some idea of what to expect. However, playing once is nothing compared to going around here five-and-a-half times in one day.

“It’s going to be a heck of a challenge, particularly if the wind blows, so all of us here at Kingsbarns Golf Links take our hats off to the guys for giving it a go.

“We are absolutely delighted to be associated with this fantastic effort, particularly as it benefits such a worthy cause.”

To donate to Tom and Michael’s ‘100 Holes In A Day Challenge’, taking place at Kingsbarns on June 22 this year, log-on to www.justgiving.co.uk/100-Holes-Challenge where you can also be in with a chance of winning a fourball of your own at Kingsbarns Golf Links.

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