Talented young golfers from the ABN AMRO Guernsey Golf Development Squad have raised more than £2,000 for the male cancer charity Male Uprising Guernsey after playing 1,094 holes in a day.
The youngsters completed the marathon session in wet and windy conditions at St Pierre Park and La Grande Mare golf courses earlier this week.
‘Despite the miserable weather their determination never faltered. It was a really good day of golf. The highlight was Hamish Glass starting at 5.30am and running three rounds before 9am and inspiring others to do the same. There was so much energy from them all, it was brilliant to see,’ said Phil Sykes, one of the Guernsey Golf School’s directors and PGA golf professional.
Andy Chamberlain from ABN AMRO, which sponsors the squad, also took part in the challenge. He said that the youngsters’ commitment and talent was impressive.
‘It was fantastic to see how determined they were to reach their goals, these young people are true ambassadors for the sport and for their island and ABN AMRO is proud to be associated with them,’ he said.
Trevor Kelham, MUG chairman and council member, said the squad’s commitment to supporting the charity was admirable.
'They’ve done a fantastic job and MUG is so grateful to them for going the extra mile to raise money and awareness for the charity,’ he added.
The aim of the Guernsey Golf Development Squad initiative is to develop the talent of the island’s most promising young golfers of all ages and from all golf clubs.
They receive free training and coaching from Phil Sykes and Matt Groves, professionals at Guernsey Golf School, and fitness training from Ashley Carter, a professional gym coach at La Grande Mare Gym.
They also work with MUG, involving themselves in a number of charitable events over the year ahead, and help at selected golf events, introducing new players into the game.
This year, promising local golfers who benefitted through the Guernsey Golf Development Squad, are giving back to the sport through a mentoring initiative.