A GROUP of fanatical Loch Lomond golfers are setting out to play four rounds in a single day for charity this weekend.

Sixteen members of The Carrick Golf Club will undertake a golf ‘marathon’ in aid of the Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) facility at Robin House in Balloch.

The “home from home” for families has a range of facilities and offers respite, care and support all year round.

The keen golfers – John Gunn, Alan Granger, Billy McFadyen, Connor Taylor, Darren Pearce, Gareth Burris, George Brown, Jackie Beasley, Jane Scott, Mark Taylor, Mick Gray, Paddy Maple, Scott Barlass, Stephen McLafferty and Tony Speirs – will set off at 5:30am on Sunday, June 20 for the mammoth challenge - which will see them tackle four rounds of golf at 6.5 miles each, totalling 26 miles for the day.

Mick Gray, who will be taking part in the fund-raiser, said: “What started off as a bit of chat and banter on the members’ forum on Facebook has turned this into a much bigger event than first anticipated.

“We decided as a group to raise money for a local charity after all the struggles they’ve had recently with the Covid-19 pandemic.

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“A special thanks goes to SKW Joinery in Helensburgh for sponsoring and supplying our polo shirts for the day.

“We will be tackling 72 holes in one day, with the first ball struck at 5.30am and possibly the last putt holed at 10pm.

“We will try to have as much fun as we can, but it will be tough as it will involve between 20 and 25 miles of walking with no buggies allowed - carry bag or trolleys only.

“Johnny Sharp, the head of golf, has allowed us to book the course and times while allowing the green staff to continue their daily routine and making sure the course remains open to members and guests as normal.

“We have set a target of £2,000 but we are sure to smash this as some of us have done our own sponsor sheets and will add this to totals once completed.”

As this article was published the group were less than £100 off their target, having raised £1,902 – to find out more, and to donate to the challenge, click here.

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