18 holes of golf over 400 miles – in one day!

Posted on 27/05/09. By Luke Parry

Four enthusiastic golfers will be taking on a unique golfing challenge, to play 18 holes in one day - but this is a "round" with a difference because it will take them 400 miles from Kent to Cornwall!

On Monday 22 June 2009, Luke Parry and Paul Rockett of Milestone Event Management Ltd of Farnham and clients Graham Russell and Steve Saunders of ALNO UK of Dewsbury will attempt to play 18 holes of golf in one day stretching from Kent to the most western tip of Cornwall, to benefit two charities close to their hearts - CHASE hospice care for children and Southampton Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Luke believes this challenge could be a "first". "I have never heard of anyone else doing a challenge like this. We will be playing two holes at each club and our route will take us through eight counties, travelling over 400 miles and will last over 17 hours. Special thanks go to all the clubs en-route who have supported us and to Volvo for supplying a top of the range XC-90 for the challenge."

The foursome will be starting in Kent at The London Club; on to RAC Woodcote Park in Surrey; then Mannings Heath, Sussex; Cams Hall, Hampshire; into Dorset at Ferndown; Taunton and Pickeridge Golf Club in Somerset; Woodbury Park in Devon and finally Trevose in Cornwall.
Luke explained that he wants to continue to support CHASE in the footsteps of his father Mike who died in November 2008, aged 64 after a brave battle with lung cancer.

Mike gave up considerable amounts of his spare time in his role as a Trustee of CHASE which supports families with children and young people who are not expected to live beyond their 19th birthday. CHASE remains close to their family and as such Luke wants to continue to contribute to this worthwhile cause.

Paul Rockett wants to support the Southampton Paediatric Intensive Care Unit which took such good care of his 8 month old son when he was taken ill with a serious respiratory virus. www.friendsofpicu.org.uk

Paul says thankfully his son fully recovered but this was the worst experience of his life and also the most inspiring. As such it is his aim to raise funds and awareness of the unit's dedication and commitment to caring for young children.

Luke urged people to support their challenge and buy raffle tickets as well. He added: "We are aiming to raise £5,000 for our charities through sponsorship/donations and selling raffle tickets to win over 20 stunning prizes which include flights to New York, tickets to major rugby and cricketing events, many golfing prizes and much more.

For details of how to sponsor/donate, a list of raffle prizes and how to buy raffle tickets, please visit the event website: http://www.milestone-event.com/longest_18_holes.asp or email thelongest18holes@milestone-event.com for further details.