Posted under Update
An extract from the Western Mail – 15th February 2008
A Welsh golfer is planning to take on the million-yard challenge of Course Wales over the next year by playing all the nation’s 170 courses to raise money for charity.
Bryn Morfydd’s Stan Humphreys is aiming to play every course in Wales during his year as captain, that is 2,610 holes, 530 miles of golf with 32,500 miles of driving between the courses over the year.
The aim is to raise £40,000 for three hospices round Wales with club golfers being asked to contribute a penny each time they play through collection boxes in the bar or pro shop – hence the name for his task, The Penny Challenge.
There will be a competitive element as well, when Humphreys plays each course he will be trying to beat the standard scratch score of that course – if he fails then half the money raised by that club will go to their captain’s charity for this year.
The aim is also to raise awareness of Welsh golf in the lead-up to the 2010 Ryder Cup as no-one has attempted to play the 170 Welsh courses in a year before.
The Western Mail will follow his progress through the year – the ultimate Welsh course review!
“I am committed to playing all the courses in Wales and will do my best to beat as many as possible,” said Humphreys, from Bryn Morfydd, near Wrexham, who is used to travelling round the country from his former job setting up new stores for MFI.
“The aim is not to overshadow the captain’s charity at each club, they will raise much bigger sums while I am just hoping each player will add a penny to the box each time they play.
“I hope to raise much-needed funds for these centres that give unparalleled care for the children and their families.
“Let’s bring a smile to those young faces, who would love to play a round of golf, so why not play for them?”
Humphreys is raising money for the Ty Hafan Hospice near Cardiff, Hope House near Oswestry and Ty Gobaith in Conwy.
He has personal experience of the care on offer through the hospices and the importance of that help for three of his children.
“I have tried to plan the dates and times to avoid prime tee times and club competitions, playing three or four clubs every week for the next year,” said the 13 handicapper.
“I am still waiting to hear back from most of the clubs, I hope they will embrace the challenge to help Welsh children – some of whom won’t see the end of this challenge.
“March 30 is my inauguration as captain at Bryn Morfydd and will begin with the ceremonial drive-in, that will start the challenge which will take me the length and breadth of Wales.
“I would like golfers to donate just 1p each time they play, if each course has 17 four balls per day then that will mean 25,000 pennies or £250 over the year. If 160 courses do it then that will raise the £40,000 we are aiming for.
“It shows that 1p can make a difference. All clubs will get a certificate of thanks and those collecting most in each region will get a plaque.
“There is a fantastic variety of Welsh courses out there, nine holes as well as 18 holes, with wonderful links courses and plenty of parkland too. It will be a great experience to get round them all.”