Golfer putting skills to the test

A keen golfer is preparing to tackle the biggest challenge of his life in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Mr Ian Evans, 52, of Newark, is a long-serving member at The Orchards Golf Club, Brinkley, near Southwell. He plans to play 100 holes of competition golf in 24 hours.

He is taking on the challenge in honour of his best friend of 30 years, and playing partner of more than ten years, who is being treated for cancer.

Mr Evans said: "The medication my friend is on was funded by donations to Cancer Research so it really was a no-brainer for me.

"We both live, eat and breathe golf, so this seemed like a fitting way to put myself through purgatory.

"Someone you know at some point will have been touched by cancer.

"The more money we can raise for Cancer Research, the more people we are going to be helping."

Mr Evans will start at 4am on June 16 and be supported by fellow club members who will mark his scorecard and play nine or 18 holes alongside him.

Mr Evans will act as his own caddy and is not allowed to use a golf buggy to get around the nine-hole course.

The club has around 120 members, with most supporting Ian through donations or help on the day.

"I am grateful to everyone at the The Orchards Golf Club," he said.

"It is going to be a tough challenge, but that’s why I am doing it. Otherwise why would anyone sponsor you?"

Mr Evans said he hoped to complete the challenge within 16 hours, and says he won’t finish until the 100th hole has been completed.

"I know I am going to get through these holes, even if it takes me until midnight and I am using a torch to find the ball," he said.

To help with donations visit www.justgiving.com/ian-evans38. To donate via text the code is SYRX69 followed by any amount (pound sign required) to 70070.