Five Central golfers took part in a golf endurance event last weekend (December 15), playing 72 holes in the summer heat to raise money for Otago Community Hospice.

The group of Brodie Costello, Reuben Clark, Sam Bastin, Shane Ryan, and Gavin Breach teed off at 5.35am in a crisp 9 deg C. 

The golfers walked more than 40kms and 50,000 steps during the four rounds at the Alexandra golf course. 

They carried their own golf bags and temperatures climbed - it was 25 degrees at 4pm.  

By the time they wrapped up it was 9pm. 

Spokesperson Sam Bastin said the day went well.

“Some of [us] were very sore [by the end]. 

“We ended up raising around $2000 for the local hospice.” 

They used a givealittle page which has raised $1,885 so far.

The group organised online auctions for donated goods as part of their fundraising; an Otago Highlanders jersey donated by Pioneer Energy and a gym membership from Soul Fitness for a month.

They group were back to work on Monday - some of them straight onto their feet at their jobs in construction and hospitality.

The day’s golf marathon did not quite coincide with the summer solstice (when one of Earth's poles has its maximum tilt toward the sun) which is today. (December 21)

Reuben lost his grandmother to cancer about eight years ago which was the initial reason he got involved in the Cancer Society’s ‘Longest Day Challenge’ last year.

He, Sam and Gavin (together with Joe) were in a group known as The Shank Squad, who raised $3775 for Cancer Society, as a part of the national fundraiser for the charity in 2023.

This year they wanted funds raised to go to the work of Otago Community Hospice (OCH) who support families through the toughest time in their life.

At any one time the OCH looks after an average of 225 people, mostly in their own home, and annually cares for around 800 people.  

All money raised in Otago goes to providing services across the region. 

Anyone can sign up to complete the Cancer Society’s The Longest Day Challenge during December or January, and a 36 hole option is also available. LINK: https://longestday.org.nz/

The Cancer Society recommends playing in a team of two to four, and talking to your club captain to plan the day for when the course is less busy.

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