How To Organise The Perfect 72-Hole Challenge: Prostate Cancer UK's Big Golf Race Is Back

For most golfers, the idea of playing a few rounds of golf with a group of friends is the starting point for the perfect 24 hours well spent. Well, why not make that fantasy a reality by taking on an epic golfing challenge and saving men’s lives in the process.

This Summer, Prostate Cancer UK’s Big Golf Race is back, giving you the chance to play golf, have a laugh with your mates and raise money for truly great cause.

With three different challenge levels to choose from, there really is something for everyone. Whether you fancy the 36-hole ‘half-marathon’, the 72-hole ‘marathon’ or the epic 100-hole ‘ultra-marathon’, your participation and fundraising will help to save men’s lives.

The Big Golf Race 2024: Everything You Need To Know!

Since its launch, back in 2020, The Big Golf Race has seen more than 10,000 golfers take on the challenge. Prostate Cancer UK are hoping to encourage another 5,000 people to take part this year, with all funds raised going towards life-saving research.

Sign up now, grab your mates and get out onto the golf course to save men's lives!

This fun challenge is designed to get golfers out on the course, either on their own or with their mates, to help save dads, grandads, brothers, uncles and friends from a disease affecting 1 in 8 men in the UK.

While the challenge is designed to get golfers doing what they love, it holds added significance for so many. Rob Green from Chigwell Golf Club, along with three mates, completed four rounds in a day last summer in memory of his dad, Charles, who died from prostate cancer in 2015.

“Prostate cancer doesn’t just impact the person that’s been diagnosed," Rob said. "It impacts those around them too.

“I think it’s everyone’s dream that we can be at a stage where we hear someone has prostate cancer, and you don’t get that horrible feeling inside you - that worry - and you say, ‘ok, this is something we can deal with.’

“I want to raise as much money and awareness for a charity that’s investing in research to diagnose and support people as early as possible.

“72 holes in a day is a way of doing something I love with a group of lads, supporting a charity that’s close to my heart - and I love a challenge!”

How Do I Sign Up For The Big Golf Race 2024?

Signing up to The Big Golf Race couldn’t be simpler, and there are even opportunities to win some great prizes.

To book, and create your Big Golf Race, head to the Prostate Cancer UK website to sign up. In just a few easy steps you’ll be ready to go, and the dedicated golf team is on hand to provide you with unrivalled support, before, during and after the event, via email or telephone.

The Prostate Cancer UK Golf Society Facebook group is also a great way to meet like minded golfers and receive on-going support. The challenge can be a great way to meet new people with a similar goal and forge relationships, all while supporting each other to make a positive impact on the lives of everyone affected by prostate cancer.

How To Setup The Perfect Big Golf Race...

What could be more satisfying than playing a round of golf (or four!) with your mates and having plenty of laughs along the way, all while raising lots of money for a great cause. Setting up the perfect Big Golf Race day couldn't be easier, and before you know it you'll be on the first tee ready to test your metal against the ultimate golfing challenge.

After you've registered your team, you'll need to book a course to host your day. You could start by speaking to your local club, or alternatively use the club finder tool on the Prostate Cancer UK website.

Next, it's time to plan your day. If you are taking on the marathon or ultra-marathon, it will likely be an early start. Plenty of fuel will be required, so get yourself a hearty breakfast and pack plenty of snacks for the day.

Make a list of all the other things you could need including waterproofs, spare clothing, sun cream, a hat, drinks and plenty of golf balls – as being prepared will ensure you have the best possible experience. For those taking on the 36-hole challenge, why not get your mates and supporters together for a bite to eat prior to your tee time.

Involving others in your day is a great way to make the occasion even more special, so invite them down for the opening tee shot or encourage them to hang around to cheer you on as you play up the final hole.

A post-race welcome party could be just what you need after giving your all on the golf course. A nice cold beer on the clubhouse balcony will provide a great opportunity for a celebratory toast, as you relay tales of your golfing glory for all to enjoy.

Fundraising is obviously a crucial aspect of your team's mission, so dedicating some time to spread the word will help you to ensure you raise as much money as possible. Whether you petition your friends and family, or use online donations through a dedicated JustGiving page, all money raised will help to save men's lives. Why not set a goal, or have your own inter-team fundraising competition, as those who raise the most money will have the chance to win some great prizes!

Introducing your own mini-competitions is also a great way to add a little more fun to your Big Golf Race. You could mix up the formats in each round, and play for a few prizes of your own... loser buys the post-race celebratory drinks? 

After all, who doesn't love the spiciness of a little friendly competition? Whether you fancy a pairs match-play, a better ball, alternate shot foursomes or a straight-out strokeplay shoot-out, get those competitive juices flowing and keep the fun rolling throughout the day.

What Prizes Are Available For The Top Fundraisers?

Prostate Cancer UK are offering some fantastic fundraising milestone prizes, with the top fundraisers winning a three-night B&B trip for four to the renowned Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in Portugal, including two rounds of golf, courtesy of Golfbreaks. In addition to the top prize, there is also some great golf merch on offer for those who smash it with their fundraising, including:

• Entry into a prize draw to win the ultimate golfing package, worth £3,000 courtesy of Titleist, for teams raising more than £250
• A limited edition Big Golf Race branded Glenmuir polo shirt for teams raising more than £500, and a Glenmuir half zip top for for teams raising more than £1200
• A Prostate Cancer UK branded driver head cover for teams raising more than £800 and a box of Prostate Cancer UK branded Titleist ProV1 golf balls for teams raising more than £1000

With most golfers taking on this challenge in June or July, now is the perfect time to take action and sign up. Your efforts will help to fund life-saving research and spread the message about the excellent work that Prostate Cancer UK does to protect dads, grandads, brothers, sons, uncles and friends across the UK.

Don't delay, sign up for Prostate Cancer UK's Big Golf Race today and take on this epic challenge to save men's lives!

Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company number 02653887.