IT’S TEE time for golfers across the Sawtell and Coffs Harbour region as The Longest Day gold challenge swings into action to raise funds for Cancer Council.

Golfers are encouraged to sign up with a team or to join other club members.

Having participated since The Longest Day’s inception, Brandon Connor tee-ed off once again at the Coffs Harbour Golf Club on Monday 18 December, raising $5,100 for Cancer Council.

Completing the foursome were Jack Pountey, Suzie Fisher and Brenton Cook.

“The day was great fun for a great cause,” Brandon told News Of The Area.

“The heat was very intense and made for an exhausting and challenging day.

“This year was extra important for myself with my father-in-law having a bout with cancer.

“I was extra motivated to raise money and get the 72 holes done,” he said.

The Longest Day officially tee-ed off on Monday 11 December, with participants able to take on the challenge at their local golf club anytime during December and January.

Participants are challenged to play four rounds of golf (72 holes) in one day at their own club with their friends and fellow members.

Embracing Day 1 of the campaign, Sawtell Golf Club’s Brendan Barnes led a team playing the full 72 holes on Monday.

Brendan played in his hickory outfit and with his hickory clubs.

He’s recently returned from the Australian Open where he was the caddy for Amelia Mehmet-Grohn.

Striking while the iron was hot, he suggested Amelia join his Brendan Barnes Golf Academy team and she accepted.

Also on the team is local sportsman Josh Ives, who represented the North Coast and NSW/ACT in the National Special Olympics in Tasmania last year and took out third place in his 18-hole category, and Lachlan Smith, who finished second in the Queensland Inclusive Championships last year.

Brendan’s father Mike died from cancer in 2020.

Before his death, Mike, together with his wife Pauline and Brendan, ran an annual Prostate Cancer Golf Day.

Further south, Adam Crotty and Rick McKinnon will play The Longest Day in Urunga on 20 January 2024.

They have set a fundraising target of $10,000.

Cancer Council’s Community Fundraising Coordinator Christine Williams 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,” she said.

“Participants will be making a difference by raising funds to support Cancer Council’s life-saving cancer research, prevention programs, and information and support services.

“Across NSW, it is estimated that over 53,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year, that’s over 146 people hearing the words ‘you have cancer’ every day.”

By Andrea FERRARI