South Aussie golfers to conquer 72-holes for cancer

Cancer Council SA is encouraging South Aussie golfers to take on The Longest Day ultimate golf challenge, to complete a massive four rounds of golf (72 holes) in a single day, all to raise funds for the 11,000 South Australian families impacted by cancer each year.

The Longest Day will officially take place on 11 December this year, but participants can take on the challenge at their local golf club anytime from November through to January.

Cancer Council SA Chief Executive Kerry Rowlands said while The Longest Day is an endurance challenge that tests skill and stamina, it is easy to get involved – and a whole lot of fun.

“The Longest Day challenges participants to successfully complete all four rounds of golf during daylight hours – a challenge that many keen golfers are eager to conquer!” Ms Rowlands said.

“Participants will be making a difference by raising funds to support Cancer Council’s life-saving cancer prevention, research and support services, such as our experienced, local Cancer Council 13 11 20 nurses who, in the past year alone, have answered over 5,000 calls from families seeking information and support.”

“In South Australia, it is estimated that 11 people will lose their life to cancer each day. So, funding for cancer prevention, research and support is so important.”

“Playing golf is a good way to keep active, but as recreational golfers spend extended periods of time out in the sun, we want to remind all participants to use sun protection to reduce their skin cancer risk, especially when golfers are almost 2.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer in their lifetime than the general population.

“Across Australia, UV levels are high enough to require sun protection for most of the year, so we encourage golfers to be safe in the sun and Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide, not only on The Longest Day, but each and every day.”

The Longest Day kicks off today with a special launch event at Stirling Golf Club, which is just one of the dedicated South Australian clubs who have registered to host participants as they take on the full day challenge.

Craig Denning is one passionate fundraiser taking on the challenge at Stirling Golf Club this December, to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the services that had become a lifeline for him and his family ever since he received his cancer diagnosis.

At 48 years old, loving husband and father of three, Craig received the unexpected and devastating news that what he thought was a pulled muscle, was in fact terminal bowel cancer which would see him live only for another two to three years.

“I had such great support from Cancer Council SA from that first day, there was no way I could ever feel alone,” Craig said.

“I play golf with my son every week, so when I heard about The Longest Day I thought this would be a great challenge and another way to raise awareness and funds for the amazing work Cancer Council SA does that gives hope to families like mine.”

“My son and I have got a team of mates together and it’s going to be a great day. We’re hoping to raise at least $10,000 for Cancer Council SA!”

You can register to take on Cancer Council’s The Longest Day ultimate golf challenge at www.longestday.org.au.