TWO groups of golfers across the region have pledged to a gruelling golf day for charity.
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Stawell golfers Matt Freeland, Rob Freeland, Ben Martin and David Hunter took to the Stawell Golf Club course on Sunday for four rounds of golf, part of the longest day challenge.
Lake Bolac golfers Grant Gibson and John Lloyd will take part in the challenge on the 11th of December, dependant on the weather.
The longest day challenge is an initiative through the Cancer Council where golfers play 72 holes of golf raising money for the charity.
The Cancer Council states Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.
Playing on the nine-hole course at Lake Bolac, Gibson and Llyod expect the day to take them about 10 hours to play.
"I am the outgoing captain after nine years and Grant is the new captain so we thought together it was a good way give us a bit of exposure for the club," Lloyd said. "It's a great cause for the Cancer Council. Between us, I think we're over $5500 in raising money which is a terrific effort.
"I decided to take on the challenge for personal reasons. I lost a close mate to cancer this year.
"Cancer has affected my family - it has affected everyone's family."
Gibson said he thought the challenge was a good, fun way to raise money and was a challenge for both golfers.
"I"m looking forward to the challenge, even though I know I will struggle to play all those holes," Gibson said.
"I've joined in because John has asked me and for the very same reasons as him. I'm actually waiting on some test results myself and there's a good chance they might not be some good news."
Players scores will be recorded on the day and cards will be handed in to register for the national handicap system.
"I have to hand cards in because people who have donated towards the cause have asked to see my cards," Gibson said.
"After four rounds of golf I would expect our second round to be our best one and then it could possibly go downhill from there.
"We're not going to get too hung up on the scores but we will play the holes out."
Gibson will play the holes in his motorised cart for health reasons while Llyod will walk the course.
"Grant will obviously carry my clubs in his cart which will make things quicker as well," Llyod said. "I'll be shouting for him to bring me my clubs so we can keep moving."
Gibson said he was looking forward to the challenge, despite 18 holes becoming difficult for him in recent weeks.
Many years ago, when Gibson was 27, he took part in a similar challenge and played 72 holes.
The most golf Llyod has played in a day was 36 holes.
"When you were younger playing that many holes didn't worry you too much," Gibson said. "Now, it might be a different story but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
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