From Dawn to Dusk: The 72-Hole Marathon at Gleneagles

Some challenges are measured in birdies, pars and match wins.

This one was measured in memories.

On Tuesday 24th June, my good friend Rob Simpson and I set out to complete 72 holes of golf at Gleneagles in a single day to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness, in memory of my mum, Kishwar Ali, and in honour of everyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer.

As we stood on the first tee of the Wee Course at 6:00am, the greens still covered in dew and the sun breaking over a cloudless Gleneagles skyline, it was difficult to imagine where we'd be sixteen hours later.

We completed those opening nine holes in just 47 minutes before grabbing a quick cup of tea in The Dormy and preparing ourselves for what lay ahead.

The King's Course was our first full test of the day. Joined by Bill Sexton and David McColgan, we found ourselves behind early before fighting our way back. A birdie on the 15th proved to be a turning point, and Rob sealed a hard-fought 3&1 victory on the 17th.

After a quick lunch, we headed to the PGA Centenary Course where Christian Stewart and David joined us. Christian deserves enormous credit for taking part while still recovering from the injury he sustained during last year's charity challenge. Rob was once again in inspired form, and another birdie on the 14th helped us secure the match. David took the defeats in good humour and even suggested that he and Bill might have brighter futures selling Jellycat bunnies than playing golf against Rob!

By the time we reached the Queen's Course at 5:20pm, the miles were beginning to take their toll. Fortunately, Ken and Anne Marshall brought fresh energy to the group. Playing a scramble format, we managed twelve birdies between us, with the Marshalls holing putt after putt. The golf was wonderful, although the glorious weather meant the course was busy and progress was slower than we'd hoped.

Then came the final stretch.

At 9:15pm, we returned to the Wee Course where it had all begun.

It seemed fitting.

Sixteen hours after the first tee shot, and around 82,000 steps later, I stood over one final putt.

I had started the day with a par.

I finished the day with a par.

The score, however, was never what mattered most.

Every hole I played was for my mum.

Like so many families, ours experienced the heartbreak that breast cancer brings. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think about her. Being able to channel that loss into something positive—to raise awareness and funds that could help others—is why this challenge means so much.

I simply couldn't have done it alone.

My sincere thanks go to my great friend Rob Simpson, who never hesitated when I asked if he'd take on all 72 holes with me. His golf was exceptional, but his friendship and encouragement throughout the day meant even more.

Thank you also to Bill Sexton, David McColgan, Christian Stewart, Ken and Anne Marshall for joining us during different stages of the challenge and making every round enjoyable.

To everyone who came out to support us around the courses, thank you. Whether you walked a few holes, offered words of encouragement or simply stopped to ask how we were getting on, your support gave us an enormous lift.

A very special thank you to Andrew Jowett, David Blackadder and everyone at Gleneagles. Their generosity and support helped turn an ambitious idea into a truly memorable day.

Finally, to my fellow members of Dun Whinny Golf Club: I cannot thank you enough. Your encouragement, your friendship and your incredibly generous donations have been overwhelming. I am genuinely humbled by the support you've shown.

While the golf challenge is complete, the fundraising isn't.

Our goal remains to raise £5,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness, and we're getting closer every day.

If you've already donated, thank you.

If you haven't yet and are able to help, no matter how small the amount, it would mean the world to me. Every donation supports vital research, raises awareness and helps people living with breast cancer.

Together, we can make a difference.

Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/gleneaglesgolfepic2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Because this was never really about 72 holes.

It was always about giving something back in memory of someone who gave me everything. 💗

Kings’s Course

PGA Course

Queen’s Course