A GROUP of golf fanatics played four rounds in a single day to raise funds for charity.

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

The challenge, which took place on Sunday, June 20, saw members complete a mammoth 72 holes in one day. Each participant also walked 26.2 miles during the event.

Mick Gray, who took part in the fund-raiser, said: “We got under way at 5.30am and we played the back nine first, and that allowed the greenkeepers to prepare the course for the day ahead.

“We only stopped to have a drink or toilet break as we passed the clubhouse.

"The last putt was tapped in at around 10pm.

“Every one of us had a few aches and pains but it’s all worth it to raise some money for charity.

“Once we collect in all the money from individual sponsor sheets we will have a grand total, but it looks to be over £3,000 from the JustGiving page alone.”

Mick added: “Thanks to Jonny Sharp and his helpers Lorne Ross and Harry Pearce, not only for looking after all of us but for making sure we were fed and watered throughout the day.

“Thanks also to the green staff and restaurant staff who all urged us on.

“To Birkmyre Cafe by Nardini who provided us all with a packed lunch to keep us going; Beautiful Bakes by Burris who baked us some lovely cupcakes that we received upon completion of the 72 holes; Cove and Kilcreggan Bowling Club who sponsored the 14th hole and also donated a prize for the nearest to the pin; SKW Joinery who sponsored and supplied us with lovely dated, personalised and club crested black polo tops that we will keep as mementoes; and to Port Glasgow Tesco who supplied us with soft drinks and snacks for the whole day.”