‘Iron Golfer’ tees off on mammoth round

CHALLENGE: Carnoustie is first stage of national charity fundraiser

A London-based PGA professional known as the Iron Golfer is aiming to raise £100,000 for the Golf Foundation by undertaking a 10-day challenge which begins at Carnoustie today.

Luke Willet will be on the fairway of the Championship Course at 7.30am to tee-off his epic challenge – cycling between all 14 Open Championship venues while carrying his clubs on his back and playing a full 18 holes on each course.

The PGA coach contacted Carnoustie Golf Links in July with his idea, knowing its focus on golf development, along with passion and dedication to growing the game, meant it would be the ideal place to start the ball rolling.

“The Great British Open Challenge will be golf’s biggest adventure and for this reason I feel starting at Carnoustie’s Championship Course is the perfect fit, said Luke.

“I would rather start playing Carnoustie with fresh legs.”

The challenge may seem Everest-like as 34-year-old Luke seeks to highlight the adventures golf can offer to people of all ages.

The foundation, supported by the R&A, is a national charity which works to change the lives of young people by introducing them to the sport.

All funds raised will go directly to helping more young people from all backgrounds to “start, learn and stay” in the sport.

Luke has been based for the last three years at Hampstead Golf Club in north London and has carved out a reputation for taking on remarkable iron man-style golfing tests.

His latest goal of playing 252 Open championship holes during his 804mile bike journey around the UK ends in 10 days’ time at Royal St George’s Golf Club in Kent.

He said: “I am a great believer that golf is more than just walking around a course and playing 18 holes.

“Adventure is waiting to be added to the whole experience, either before, during or afterwards. I believe this challenge will help make the sport more appealing to young prospective players and will ignite their imaginations.

“I’m delighted that I will be able to raise valuable funds for the Golf Foundation.

“We all want more young golfers in Britain and all the money I collect will go towards getting them playing the sport.”

Michael Wells, chief executive of Carnoustie Golf Links, hailed Luke’s initiative, adding: “Playing our role in growing the game of golf is imperative and we are delighted to be the opening venue and wish Luke all the very best in this epic feat.”

Vanessa Bell, head of fundraising at the Golf Foundation, said: “Luke’s efforts to make golf fun and appealing to entice more youngsters into the game fits exactly with the values of our charity.

“We are thrilled that Luke is undertaking this new challenge in support of the foundation.

“The funds raised will go into supporting our activities to engage with more youngsters through golf at the grassroots level.”