Staff WriterIf you thought golf was just about tweed trousers, questionable putting grips, and muttered swearing under the breath, think again. Prostate Cancer UK’s flagship golfing fundraiser, The Big Golf Race, has once again turned fairways into frontlines, raising more than £1.25 million so far in 2025. That’s not just pocket change—it’s a serious step forward in tackling the most common cancer in England.
Since teeing off in 2020, more than 17,300 golfers have signed up for the challenge, dragging their weary bodies around courses for marathon sessions of 36, 72, or the utterly masochistic 100 holes in a single day. Together, they’ve raised a staggering £5.6 million to help fund new research into better diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
Golfers Take It to the Extreme
Some of golf’s biggest personalities have picked up the cause this year. Rick Shiels, one of YouTube’s most-watched golf coaches, took on the Ultra Marathon—100 holes in one day—alongside his cameraman Ben Wright, whose father is living with advanced prostate cancer. Short-game specialist Dan Grieve went for something more heart-warming: a 36-hole grind in the company of his three young children.
And then there’s Jamie Christian, better known as “Giant” from Gladiators. Towering over the tee box like a man who eats drivers for breakfast, Christian tackled the 72-hole Marathon inspired by his uncle’s diagnosis and recovery.
He’s already raised more than £2,000 and isn’t slowing down. Today, he’s striding onto the fairways of The Belfry at The Betfred British Masters Pro-Am, proudly sporting the Prostate Cancer UK “Man of Men” badge and even giving the charity logo pride of place on his driver headcover.
Records Shattered, Spirits Lifted
Across the UK, golfers have been redefining what it means to go the distance. At Beaconsfield Golf Club, Mark Taylor’s event saw 72 golfers each complete 100 holes, pulling in a jaw-dropping £225,000 for the cause.
Down in Cornwall, PGA Professional Nick Brewaeys and his pal Ross Lawrance rewrote the record books at West Cornwall Golf Club, completing 184 holes in 21 hours and 45 minutes. That’s three more than the previous Guinness World Record—and enough golf to make even Rory McIlroy consider a lie down. They raised more than £5,500 in the process.
“This year’s Big Golf Race has been nothing short of phenomenal, and the stories of determination and creativity we’ve heard from participants have been truly inspiring,” said Seren Evans, Head of Events and Community Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK.
“We’ve seen more golfers than ever step up to the challenge, pushing themselves physically and mentally on the course to raise vital funds that could save lives. Every pound raised brings us closer to better tests, better treatments, and ultimately, a cure,” she added.
The Power of Golf in the Fight Against Cancer
What makes The Big Golf Race more than just another charity day out is the camaraderie it fosters. Research shows that 91% of participants value the experience of taking part with friends, while 81% see it as a chance to spend more time together. The numbers back up its growing reputation: this year’s fundraising haul is already £128,000 higher than at the same point in 2024.
And the charity’s reach is stretching wider. Independent research conducted earlier this year shows that two-thirds of golfers (66%) recognise Prostate Cancer UK as actively involved in golf, with 81% saying the partnership feels entirely fitting. Yet despite that, only 52% of golf clubs currently support a charity—even though 77% of golfers know someone affected by prostate cancer, a figure that jumps to 82% among those over 65.
“The research findings reaffirm the dedication and hard work we’ve invested over the past decade to raise awareness of prostate cancer within the golfing community,” said Evans. “But it’s also clear more can be done to ultimately help save men’s lives.
“One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Next time you’re at your golf club, take a moment to look around and count—those numbers are real. That’s why raising awareness of prostate cancer risk is so important together with the fundraising to fund lifesaving research,” she added.
Looking Ahead
With over 32,000 golfers now engaged in fundraising campaigns like The Big Golf Race, Captain’s Charity programmes, and club partnerships, Prostate Cancer UK has made golf its unlikely but effective ally.
And the appetite shows no sign of waning: more than half of golfers surveyed (55%) said they’d consider taking on a challenge in the future.
So, the message is clear. Whether it’s 36 holes, 72, or a mind-bending 100-plus, golfers across the country are proving that a good walk spoiled can, in fact, help save lives.
For more information on Prostate Cancer UK’s flagship golf programme including The Big Golf Race visit www.prostatecanceruk.org/golf
