Golfing Marathon for Ride to Conquer Cancer has been completed

Well I'm sitting here typing Monday afternoon still exhausted from the golfing exploits of last week.  To say it was a tiring slog is an understatement.  Once again, and I can't say this enough, I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart my caddie and companion for the week, Uncle Rick Woodruff.  At times I know I was a bit painful and grumpy, but you understood why and stuck by me and encouraged me every step of the way.  I really couldn't have done it with you mate.

Also, thanks so much to all my other family and friends for the words of encouragement and support, and for the brave souls that were out on the course those five days thanks as well.

Finally, thanks to the clubs (13th Beach, Moonah Links, Sandhurst Club, The Dunes, Eynesbury) who hosted us on this journey and my major sponsor, ProAV solutions.  This would not have been possible without your support.

RECAP

Wednesday 15th May

Wednesday was at Sandhurst Club, with all golf being played around the Champions Course.  We were delayed a little with logistical issues and some traffic on the 50+ minutes journey there from where we were staying in Rye.  The wind was strong and gusty from the outset and just got stronger as the day went on and in combination with it being cold and with the occasional shower the course was extremely quiet, with donations being extremely low on the day.  

My golf game was probably as good as it ever could be.  I'd had enough practice the first two days but my body was still in reasonable shape, and the course is reasonably flat which meant my knees weren't taking the pounding they were the previous day.  After the first round of 82 I had probably my best ball striking round ever with the second round being a +2 74.  The round could have been so much better if I had holed several very gettable birdie putts.  This was in a 40-45km/h gusty wind that was making standing upright difficult enough let alone hitting a golf ball.

Six holes through the final 18 a rainstorm hit the course and conditions were atrocious.  I got through the holes 6-9 but the greens were becoming swimming pools and it was all too much.  We had to cut the day short by 9 holes which was disappointing, but still a pretty good effort in the conditions.

Scores for the day then were 82, 74, 80 and 38 (9 holes) around the Champions par 72 course.

Thursday 16th May

Thursday saw the final leg of the Mornington Peninsula rounds, with the golf being played at the beautiful The Dunes golf links.  Right from the first tee shot however, I knew this was going to be one really tough day.  It was cold, windy but worse of all, it was bucketing with rain from the first hole.  Thank heavens we had a local member Graeme driving around with us in the Course Marshall cart to show me where not to go (even though my golf ball and golf swing sometimes didn't comply).

My knee which had given me a little bit of grief on Tuesday was hurting from the second hole.  The hills at The Dunes really aggrevated my knees (especially my left one which bears all the weight of the golf swing on the follow through as well).  It was a mental and physical test, and I don't mind saying that I really struggled mentally to continue on.  I was very emotional and unsettled, and found it really difficult to get up to keep on walking around and playing golf particularly at such a hard course, in such difficult conditions.  I think Rick was struggling both mentally and physically as well, but it was made no easier by the fact that I probably wasn't the best person to be around!!

After 54 holes, teaming with rain and gusty cold weather, I was forced to stop short by 18 holes (54 completed) due to my knee making it difficult to swing the club let alone walk, as well as lightning in the area.  I think if I had of kept on going I probably would not have made it to the Friday.  So after pulling the pin we drove from Rye to my sisters house in Hopetoun Park (mid way between Bacchus Marsh and Melton).  Rick and I appreciated being looked after and having my nephew and niece there to take our minds off the task at hand.

Scores for the day were 89, 80 (under the conditions and the physical duress one of my best rounds for the week) and 83 around the par 72 course.

Friday 17th May

For the fifth and final day we made our way to the Eynesbury Golf Course.  We were lucky to have probably our best day weather wise on this day.  While the wind was still blowing it wasn't anywhere near as hard as the last two days, and there was very little in the way of showers.

We arrived on time and everything was on track all day to complete the 72 holes.  The golf shop did a good job of wording up all the golfers heading out to the track (due to the good weather we saw more golfers today than the last three combined) and we had some decent donations as well.

Even though my left knee in particular was really sore, as were the balls of my feet, it was manageable given that Eynesbury is reasonably flat.  That and also the fact that it was the final day and the finish line was in sight must have helped.  Rick and I were a bit more relaxed today, but to be honest (never thought I'd say this) I was a bit sick of golf, being outside and walking around and just looking forward to some rest).

Part of the way through the third round (on the 15th tee) I conducted an interview with local radio station 3BA to talk about what we were doing.  I mistakenly thought it was for their sister station PowerFM, so sorry to all family and friends who listened into the wrong station!!!  Funnily enough, the 6 iron I hit immediately after the conversation I nearly holed with the ball running past the cup only a couple of inches to the left.  A hole in one for the week would have been great - this was the closest I got.

I scored my first and only eagle of the week on the par 5 7th in the final round.  A nice drive, then a hybrid to the front edge of the green, then a chip and run with an 8 iron straight into the hole.

All week I went through phases of really good golf for several holes, then going cold for a few holes, running hot again and so on.  Sadly the last few holes of the week I went cold and struggled, but scrambled well and I hit a nice shot out of the greenside bunker on the 18th to give me a good chance of a par and a "grandstand finish" (in front of a small family gallery cheering us on).  Alas I missed the par putt, tapped in for a bogie and it was all over.

Scores for the day then were 83, 86, 80 and 81 around the par 72 course.

The next couple of days

Physically I've struggled a bit since.  My left knee in particular aches; I don't think it's anything structural, it's just done a lot of work and needs some rest.  The balls of both feet were blistered and have been cramping.  My back/shoulders/arms surprisingly held up really well.  Other than those muscles being tired, they didn't give me any problems whatsoever.

I've also just been really tired, and still suffering a bit with a chest/head cold.  I don't normally nap, but I've been a real nanna the last few days.

All up, I'm estimating that I raised around $1600-$1700 for the Ride to Conquer Cancer, including donations made before the golf marathon.  It's nowhere near the amount I wanted to raise, but the fact that the courses were so quiet for Mon-Thu it made it really difficult to raise money.  I'm hoping the clubs may be able to provide some extra social media coverage and perhaps help raise some more funds so that it will all have been worthwhile.

In closing, I'm really proud of making it through to the end and playing as close as possible to 72 holes per day walking which was the goal.  I know a lot of people thought it wasn't possible, and I know a lot of people thought I was crazy and biting off more than I could chew.  To those people, ha ha ha I did it! :)

I would love some more donations if people haven't already donated.  To donate, please go to www.tinyurl.com/r2cc-donate or see me personally for a cash donation.

The Golf Marathon rolls on

Gee whiz there's been a lot of golf played and a lot of steps taken over the last three days.  The golf has been fun, the walking has been tiring, gimmies have been somewhat generous and some preferred lies have been taken where unfavourable lies exist.  I think that balances out the fact that I really can't take my time around the course so can't effectively practice swing or take time to read putts and chips.

RECAP

Monday 13th May

Monday at 13th Beach Golf Links (with all golf being played on the Beach course) started the journey.  The wind was steady but certainly not as bad as 13th can throw at you.  As always the Beach course was a joy to play and presented in fantastic condition, and the weather after a very dodgy day and night before that was reasonably pleasant.  Due to most of the day being sunny and a concerted effort to keep up a cracking pace meant we covered the 72 holes well.  

Rick the caddie was up to his usual tricks of just being a clown :) but also doing a fantastic job of getting my clubs ready, getting yardage via my phones' golf GPS app and helping me drum up some donations out on the course. David Schwarz "The Ox" ex-Melbourne Football Club champion and now media commentator was among the golfers on course and in the club that made donations.

Holes 8 and 9, both long par 4's, played into the teeth of the wind and hence were the most difficult holes on the course.  I had particular problems with Hole 8 with one bogey, two double bogies and a triple bogey.

Scores for the day on the par 72 course were 81, 83, 81 and 86.  The last round of 86 I think was due to the cracking pace I was going at earlier and I was really struggling to have the strength to swing.

After golf we caught the ferry over to Sorrento from Queenscliff at 6pm.  By this stage my thighs and hamstrings were really sore, and Rick was sore from getting in and out of the buggy all day and he covers plenty of territory getting clubs to me at the tee and the green.  So like two very sad old men we sat on the $2 for 5 minutes massage chairs on the ferry and groaned loudly with delight as it soothed away some of our aches and pains. Also by this stage the chest cold that had started for me the Thursday/Friday before was starting to set in even worse.  If the task wasn't hard enough.....

Tuesday 14th May

After what could be described by both of us as a pretty poor nights sleep, we set off for Moonah Links for the second leg in the Golfing Marathon for Ride to Conquer Cancer, with all golf being played on the Legends course.  I've only ever played the once on the Legends prior to Tuesday and to be honest I'd forgotten how darn good this course is.  It's not only immaculate in conditioning but is such an interesting and varied layout, with some of the prettier holes carved through a Moonah forest.  The course is also moderately undulating, which made it a hard slog walking wise.

The weather on the peninsula was cold and windy with the occasional shower, and was enough to keep most people off the course which was to the detriment of donations.  The chilly weather also had the effect of making my cold worse, and by the end of the day and that night I was wondering if I could carry on if it didn't improve.  I was also missing Liv and my boys, because cuddles from my boys always make me feel better when I'm feeling miserable.

Due to the cloudier conditions on the day we didn't have as much light to complete our four rounds in, in addition to the fact that being more undulating my knees and feet were suffering and I couldn't keep as swift a pace as I did on the first day.  Hence, for the last nine holes I had to jump in the cart to get 72 holes completed (which we did).

My golf game rather than getting worse was getting better due to the amount of "practice" I was getting.  So even though the day was a lot more difficult scoring wise than the Monday, I was striking the ball better and getting a good feel for my short game.

Scores for the day on the par 72 course were 80, 85, 81 and 82.

It all starts today......

Well friends the day has come. First day 72 holes of golf will be played at the magnificent 13th Beach golf links Beach course. The weather may not be perfect "golfing weather" but it could be worse as well. It will be a tiring slog, but nothing compared to the pain that cancer sufferers and their family and friends endure. Please share this page with friends and family and keep the donations coming in. Thanks for your support.

ewwwww weather :(

mmmmm windy and showery.  I particularly look forward to the chance of thunderstorms and possible hail on Monday afternoon.

Glad we invested in some wet weather gear...

Guess we'll just have to pretend I'm playing on a lovely Scotland summer day

Care of BOM (Bureau of Meteorology, or is that Bearer of Misery?)

Update with less than a week to go

Thanks for those who have already donated.  For those that haven't you can click here

Well it's now less than a week until the golf marathon.  All the organising is falling into place, and the finishing touches will be applied this Friday and over the weekend with the very able assistance of uncle Rick.  I'm certainly going to miss my family while I'm away.  Lucky I have my crazy uncle to keep me company. :)

As far as training is concerned I feel a little under-prepared.  While I've been walking a reasonable amount I really haven't put in any long walks.  I guess we'll see how I'm travelling by mid next week!!  As for my golf game, while I don't play as much golf as I did when I was younger I can honestly say it's just as good as when I was playing regularly.  It will be interesting to see the level I can play to, and the effect all the walking and swinging will have on my form and my concentration.  Hopefully there isn't too much "hit f*&%" :)

Make sure to keep an eye on updates.  Where possible I will update all channels as to how I'm going during the day, and a more comprehensive report each night.  I welcome any family or friends that might be able to make it along to one of the days to do so and cheer me on.

More press

I got an article published in the Mornington Peninsula Leader article which was a slight expansion on the article in the Frankston Leader.  Ride to Conquer Cancer headquarters are attempting to gain some coverage in print/radio/tv either recorded or live.  Hope they catch my pretty side :)

I'm really taking my celebrity status all in my stride.  If you are wanting an autograph or some used undies, please send me a stamped self addressed parcel and a money order of $59.95 and one of my assistants will sort it all out.  hehehe

Woodlands Golf Club donation

Today I received a kind donation from Woodlands Golf Club of a four player pass for a round of golf, worth $600.  Any donation over $5 until the end of May will automatically go into a draw to win this prize.  So get those donations in!!

Shout out to Uncle Rick

I've talked a lot about what I'm doing, but none of this would be possible without the help of my uncle Rick.  Rick will be joining me for the entire week, driving me from accommodation to golf clubs, driving my clubs around in a cart and keeping me fed and watered, helping with yardages and keeping equipment clean and dry, keeping me motivated and making sure I don't go crazy, and helping out with donation collections around the course.  
Rick is taking time out of his own annual leave to help out, and via Windscreen Power has been a very generous donator both this year and with last years' ride as well.  It's going to be a wonderful journey, made all the better by his help and presence.  
Love you uncle Rick.  You're a gem!!

Family is definitely weird!! From Left: Uncle Rick as Peter Criss from Kiss, Me as a random roadie, Uncle Stephen as Barry Manilow.  Love the look on Stephen :)

Small press snippet from the Frankston Leader

The plan is to get a longer version and photo into next weeks’ Mornington Peninsula Leader.

Less than 2 weeks to be the big day!!

Well folks, it's less than two weeks until the first of 360 holes of golf in 5 days is played at 13th Beach Barwon Heads.

I've been busy getting accommodation and equipment sorted out.  Golf balls, tees, gloves, wet weather gear, special hiking socks, extra batteries for my phone which will act as a golf GPS have all been purchased and awaiting delivery.  A couple of other sundry items need to be purchased (such as pants and distinctive yellow hats to identify me out on the golf course), and dietary plans need to be in order.  Lots of carbs are in order to keep energy levels up.

The accommodation I sourced for the Mon/Tue/Wed is in Rye which is central to my three days golf over that area of the peninsula.  It was affordable and has full facilities to ensure that if we hit with bad weather I can wash and dry clothes and shoes ready for the next days' play.  It also has an outdoor hot tub.  I think my aching bones will appreciate it!!

Thanks for those who have given donations, or pledging to do so shortly.  Thanks also to those who are offering encouragement.  I hope I can collect a good amount of donations while I'm out on the course so all this effort will be worthwhile.

Here's a couple of photos of me I had taken for The Leader Bayside community newspaper.  I'll let you all know once the article has been published.

Logo

Major Sponsor - ProAV Solutions

Thanks to our major sponsor Pro AV Solutions

The formation of Pro AV Solutions creates the most technically experienced audiovisual integrator operating on a truly national basis. Pro AV Solutions has the power to provide a sole-source solution for unified national audio and video systems integration fully resourced in each state.

Pro AV Solutions sponsorship will assist with accommodation and equipment costs.  Without the generous help of major sponsors, this Golfing Marathon for the Ride to Conquer Cancer would not be possible.

The Dunes Golf Links final confirmed golf venue

It is with great pleasure that I can announce that Thursday's play in the Golfing Marathon for the Ride to Conquer Cancer will be at The Dunes Golf Links in the infamous "Cups" region of Mornington Peninsula, and just around the corner from Moonah Links where I'll be playing Tuesday. The Dunes course is regularly voted the best Victorian public access golf course and Top 15 for all courses nation wide, so it is indeed a pleasure to play and an honour that they are supporting this cause.

The Dunes Golf Links - 18th Hole (courtesy of The Dunes Golf Links)

The Dunes is a beautiful and challenging links style course, built (as the name suggests) through rolling sand dunes.  The club motto of "God built it, we just mow the grass" is perhaps a little unkind to the visionary work undertaken by course designer Tony Cashmore, but it does have the feel of being there forever.  And I can't think of any greater accolade to bestow upon a golf course.

For an overview and photos of the course that I'll be playing please click here

Eynesbury Golf Course fourth confirmed golf venue

Hello again!!  Well, I'll have to say it again.  Pleased to announce that Eynesbury Golf is the fourth confirmed golf venue, and will be hosting me on Thursday 16th May EDIT now this will be Friday 17th May.  Another world class venue that is consistently ranked in Australia's Top 50 public access courses.

Eynesbury Golf Course - 18th Hole (courtesy of Eynesbury Golf)

Eynesbury Golf is a tournament-standard course located in western Melbourne, just 40 minutes from the CBD.  Their full fleet of 56 electric golf carts, challenging course and beautiful natural surrounds makes every visit a memorable one.  With a range of corporate and charitable golf day packages, team of golf professionals and hospitality in the heritage-listed Eynesbury Homestead Spike Bar and restaurant, choose Eynesbury for your next round.

Sandhurst Club third confirmed golf venue

It is with great pleasure that I can announce that the third days' play in the Golfing Marathon for the Ride to Conquer Cancer will be at the Sandhurst Club in South-East Melbourne, starting 7am May 15th on either the North or Champions course.  I know I keep on saying it but once again, I am very lucky to have the backing of such a world class facility to continue my fundraising quest.

Champions Course Hole 6 (courtesy of Sandhurst Club)

Sandhurst Club boasts 36 holes of championship golf, and is the home of the Australian Professional Golfers Association (PGA).  Designed by Australia's greatest ever golfer, Peter Thomson and world-renowned design team, Thomson & Perrett, the North Course emphasizes strategic shot making and provides a searching test of golfers short game skills.  In an innovative first for golf course architecture in this country, Thomson & Perrett designed the Champions Course in a dedication to past champions of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Australia.  Holes on the sandbelt styled Champions Course feature a plaque near each tee as a tribute to the relevant skills and attributes of the past champion, after whom each hole has been dedicated.  Some of the most notable features of the Champions Course at Sandhurst Club are the gentle sandbelt style fairway contours, coupled with the open fronts to greens, and substantially tree lined fairways, in contrast to the more “hurdle style” experience of the North Course.

Along with an impressive clubhouse with its bars, licensed restaurant and Members' Bar, Sandhurst Club has a Health Club with a pool, aerobics room, gymnasium and Tennis courts.

Sandhurst Club is the ideal place to build not just a home, but an ideal lifestyle. Whether it’s living along rolling green fairways, on an island surrounded by water or along a grand tree-lined boulevard, at Sandhurst Club it's all possible.

For an overview and photos of the courses that I'll be playing please click here

I'm hoping to have the rest of my itinerary finalised shortly.

Moonah Links second confirmed golf venue

It is with great pleasure that I can announce that the second days' play in the Golfing Marathon for the Ride to Conquer Cancer will be at Moonah Links on the Mornington Peninsula at Fingal starting 7am May 14th on the Legends course.  Once again, I am very lucky to have the backing of such a world class facility to continue my fundraising quest.

Moonah Links Legends 17th Hole (courtesy of Moonah Links)

Moonah Links boasts 36 holes of championship golf, with the Open Course (purpose built for demanding tournament golf) hosting two Australian Opens and three Moonah Classic tournaments (a co-sanctioned Australia PGA/US Nationwide Tour event).  The Legends Course, although slightly less demanding, is nonetheless a world class layout and is consistently ranked in the top 5 public access courses in Australia.

As is the case with these world class facilities, it's not all about the golf.  Quality accommodation at Peppers Resort overlooks the golf courses.  Recreation facilities include an outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis course, mountain bike hire, volleyball and badminton and well appointed gymnasium.  Or for something a bit more relaxing, enjoy the ambience of the Endota Day Spa.

For an overview and photos of the course that I'll be playing please click here

I'm hoping within the next week or so I can announce more Melbourne/Mornington Peninsula based courses that I'll be playing on the Wed/Thurs, and Ballarat courses I'll be playing on the Friday.

13th Beach first confirmed golf club venue

It is with great pleasure that I can announce that the first days' play in the Golfing Marathon for the Ride to Conquer Cancer will be at 13th Beach Golf Links in Barwon Heads starting 7am May 13th on the Beach course.  I am lucky to have the backing of such a world class facility to start my fundraising quest.

Beach Course 1st Hole (courtesy of Inside Golf)

13th Beach Golf Links is not only a world class golfing facility boasting 36 holes of championship golf, but also includes fantastic clubhouse facilities, extensive accommodation and residential community all within short walking distance of the famous 13th Beach and 4km from the beautiful seaside resort of Barwon Heads.  The course I will be playing (the Beach course, designed by famed architect Tony Cashmore) is consistently ranked in the Top 5 public access courses in Australia.

For an overview and photos of the course that I'll be playing please click here

I'm hoping within the next week or so I can announce some Melbourne/Mornington Peninsula based courses that I'll be playing on the Tues/Wed/Thurs, and Ballarat courses I'll be playing on the Friday.

Donations and help are very welcome!!

So many people I'm talking to are asking how they can help.

Well, if you would like to make a donation please go here to my Ride to Conquer Cancer online donation form.  Leave your name there and I'll know you've donated.  While you are there you can take a look at my personal page to see where my inspiration for participating in the ride to conquer cancer comes from.

If you would like to help in other ways after reading the previous post, please contact me via email or telephone or simply via the comments section at the bottom of this blog (don't know why, but by clicking on the "No Comments" link you should then be able to comment)

You may also wish to get a few people together to pool a donation.  Perhaps a workgroup, your family, a circle of friends.

I'm thinking of the following suggested sponsorship levels

• bronze min. 5 cents per hole. this will get you your name on an "honour board" of this blog ($18-$35) or if you wish to be anonymous, I'll come up with a mildly amusing pseudonym.
• silver 10 cents per hole. the above, plus a signed memento golf ball that was used during the challenge, chat to me via an online or teleconference session after one of the days and ask questions, and you might even be included in any video doco that I might create. ($36-$99) 
• gold all of the above, plus framed certificate of appreciation and a completed scorecard from one of the rounds, plus join me for a free bbq either Wednesday night (for Melb based) or Friday night (Ballarat based) $100 (or more if you wish).
• Equipment sponsors will be classed same as those above according to the value of their donation, and they'll also enjoy some product placement advertising wherever possible.

Or, you can just donate what you want.

Please put your thinking caps on.  I would be happy to hear any great ideas to help along the way.

My plan that some may call slightly crazy

My name is Matt Whykes.  I am raising funds for the Peter Mac Ride to Conquer Cancer in Melbourne (which is a 200km two day bicycle ride In October that I'll be participating in).  Long story short is that cancer has touched my life like it has probably touched most people's lives, and I'd like to see a cure!!

As a part of my fundraising efforts, I am doing something just as much if not more adventurous (or some might say crazy).  Five days of golf, four rounds a day straight, solo during mid-May 2013.  I estimate with walking the holes as well as walking for stray shots and walking between greens and tees it will be close to the 200km's that I have to cover for the ride.

I'm seeking support for green fees/invitation to play Melbourne/Peninsula member clubs (to more easily promote my activities and maximise local donations), with priority given to me on the course to complete my rounds in a timely fashion. I am only one golfer, and if all other golfers are aware of my presence on the day it shouldn't cause much disturbance.

Seeing that I will be playing golf in the same location all day (to cut down travel between clubs), I'm hoping I can play at some clubs that have more than 18 holes to create a bit of variety on the day.

I'm targeting the final day to be spread around the three courses in the Ballarat region (Ballarat, Midlands, Mt. Xavier) as travel between them all is reasonably minimal.

All golf will be played in Stableford format to reduce delays. I'll play off a nominal handicap of 13 - my last official handicap a while ago was 11.

I'm currently training by walking as much as I can, as well as cycling and soon to start golf-specific stretches and strength exercises.  I'll also need to actually play some golf, and perhaps change the way I play (ie. get to the ball and hit it fairly quickly, make my swing as compact and productive as possible) to conserve energy and minimise time not walking.

I'm also seeking sponsorship or assistance for:

• Accommodation on the Sunday/Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday in short distance to golf
• Cabcharge/coverage for taxi fares around peninsula courses
• An "action cam" for recording everything (I'd like to produce a doco around the whole experience)
• Golf balls/tees/gloves/clothing
• Massage/podiatary services (think I'll REALLY be needing this!!)

If anybody reading this has contacts in any of these industries I would greatly appreciate any assistance.  I'll be posting information soon on how you can donate to my Ride to Conquer Cancer fund, and how I will also be keeping everyone up to date on not only my lead up but during my golf rounds and on completion of the days.

Ideas or feedback via the comments section would also be appreciated.