4,032 holes played at Goodwood on Macmillan Longest Day

Fourteen teams took on the challenge, with each individual walking around 60,000 steps and covering approximately 22 miles around The Park Course. Throughout the course of the event, which began with a shotgun start at 5.30am, some 4,032 holes were played on a day when the weather changed from wet and foggy in the morning to bright and breezy in the afternoon.

A global initiative, the Macmillan Longest Day Challenge invites golfers to play four full rounds in a single day and is so-called because it usually takes place on the longest day of the year. However, players at Goodwood had the disadvantage of playing ahead of the summer solstice and with less daylight available.

Despite this, play was still hugely competitive and the top two teams were separated by only six points at the end of the day. The win was awarded to the Decent Gallagher Golfers, who amassed 402 points. It was a fitting win, as Gallagher had generously sponsored the day as part of their 90th anniversary ‘Gallagher Gives’ campaign programme.

Lee Campany, who is a member of Golf At Goodwood, was one of the dedicated players to participate in the event. He said; “It was a fantastic day. We had a mixture of weather with conditions being quite difficult during the second round. The first three rounds were enjoyable but the fourth felt like we were treading on hot coals. The blisters are worth it, as so far our team has raised almost £1,000.”

Tom Quirk, Fundraising Manager in the South East for Macmillan Cancer Support said; “The Support that Golf At Goodwood has given us in taking part in the world’s longest golf day challenge is phenomenal. Everyone who takes on the Longest Day Challenge raises money for Macmillan so we can help people live life with cancer by providing vital emotional, practical and medical support when it’s really needed. Since 2002, golfers such as those at Goodwood have helped raise over £9 million. That’s why, to us, everyone who plays is a real hero!”

The event was also kindly supported by Chichester Hogg Squad, South Downs Water, Cannon Technologies, Charterhouse, CNA Hardy, DAMSS, Haynes, Midas Travel Management, Rathbones, Zurich and the Goodwood Estate.

Fundraising for Macmillan continues through a live online auction - https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/goodwood-gallagher-auction