Sport
17 December, 2020
Local golfers conquer Longest Day
THEY may have been battling exhaustion but the group of golfers who took on the Longest Day challenge are proud of what they have achieved at Terang Golf Club last Saturday.
THEY may have been battling exhaustion but the group of golfers who took on the Longest Day challenge are proud of what they have achieved at Terang Golf Club last Saturday.
George Beasley, Liam Venn, Phil Beasley, Stephen Arundell, Liam Arnott, Nigel Bruckner, Riley Scanlon and Trevor Beasley conquered 72 holes at the local course, raising more than $3000.
The group, which is still taking donations, will donate the funds to the Warrnambool Cancer Centre, Let’s Talk Foundation and Terang Golf Club’s junior program.
Match captain Liam Venn said the day went fairly well but proved exhausting under sunny conditions.
“We started at 6am and were done at about 5pm – the last few groups rolled in just after five so it turned out pretty well,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we get up to $4000 but that’s just a ball park estimate.
“We were happy to get what we could and we did roughly say if each of us could raise $500 it would get us to $4000 which would be a good effort.
“But any funds we could raise was always going to be a bonus.”
Venn said the desire to support local programs and the chance to challenge themselves was behind the group’s decision to take part in the cause.
“I suppose they’re all worthy causes, especially the Warrnambool Cancer Centre and Let’s Talk which are two local charity organisations,” he said.
“We also chose the junior program at the club because we want to see that get up and about and make sure there is still golf opportunities for the kids in the future.
“That was the main reason but I think the other thing was that challenge (aspect) and being physically able to do it.
“It was a long day and was quite exhausting by the end.”
As for the golf, the group recorded 48 birdies and one eagle and a total of 1056 stableford points, with top rounds of 40 points from George and Phil Beasley and Venn.
Venn said collectively the second round was the best from the group.
“Everyone had a good second round and I know personally that my second round was my best because I just felt warm and everything clicked for me,” he said.
“But by the halfway point of the third round I was exhausted and it became about trying to get around the last 27 holes.
“As a group we shot 48 birdies and Steve Arundell had an eagle on the 12th, but out of the 48 birdies Phil had 19 of them on his own.
“He was the most consistent golfer but we all scored over 30 stableford points in each of the four rounds which was a pretty good effort.”
Venn said it was still too early to speculate whether a group from the club would do the challenge next year.
However, he said it was possible some members would give it a go.
“Nigel and Phil did it a couple of years and Nigel said he is done but I know the young boys like Riley and George would probably do it again and a couple of other kids might do it with them if they do,” Venn said.
“It’s hard to say though – it was a 30 degree day and I know I probably wouldn’t do it again but it hasn’t been fully discussed yet.
“If someone said they’d do it, I reckon other people might do it too so we’re not sure, but it’s possible at this stage.”
Venn said the group was grateful for the support and was still accepting donations for those who wished to make one via Terang Golf Club - CBA BSB: 063756; Account: 1000 5424; Reference: 72 holes.
“Thanks to everyone who has sponsored or donated to the cause, it has been greatly appreciated,” he said.
“Anyone who still wants to make a donation they can do so using the account details and the reference to 72 holes.”