Why taking part in The Big Golf Race was so special for Fitness Chef Graeme

When The Fitness Chef, Graeme Tomlinson, decided to take on Prostate Cancer UK’s Big Golf Race by playing 100 holes in a day at Trump Turnberry, he had a very personal reason to get involved.

Graeme, who is best known for dishing out nutrition advice to his 1.6 million online followers, says the decision to take part was a “no-brainer” for him after his dad was successfully treated for prostate cancer two years ago.

The Big Golf Race sees golfers play 36, 72 or 100 holes in a day to raise money to save men’s lives. Being a part of it, along with Bunkered writer Alex Perry, was a fun way for Graeme to raise funds for a cause so close to his heart.

On a flat, calm day in gorgeous sunshine, Graeme and Alex drove, wedged and putted their way around the world-famous Ailsa course and its sister King Robert the Bruce and Arran layouts.

By the end of it, they’d shared a lot of laughs, enjoyed spectacular views of the stunning Ayrshire coastline and drummed up a whopping £3,700 into the bargain.

Graeme says: “I’m a big golf fan and get out on the course as much as I can, so supporting Prostate Cancer UK’s Big Golf Race was a no-brainer for me.

“One in eight men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but the earlier it’s found, the easier it is to treat. My dad’s prostate cancer was found early enough to be treated, and now I want more men to be aware of their risk of the disease.”

So, just what was playing 100 holes in a day like?

The challenge

Graeme says: “I was nervous about how I’d manage to get through 17 hours of pretty much non-stop golf. Anything could happen, from blisters, to injuries, to fatigue.

“But it was an incredible day at one of the greatest golf courses in the world, which started just after 5am. We finished our 100th hole at around 9.40pm.

“We were really lucky with the weather being sunny, but not too hot and the usual west coast winds were nowhere to be seen.

Alex adds: “I didn’t really know what to expect when it came to taking on the 100 holes in a day challenge as part of The Big Golf Race for Prostate Cancer UK.

“It turns out it’s really hard, but also incredibly fun. Of course, being able to do it at somewhere like Turnberry helped. The Ailsa has never looked better – and with the sun shining on us and not a breath of wind – we could not have picked a better day for it.

“Having Graeme alongside me was a huge help and, honestly, I don’t think we could have done it without the support of each other. (Even when he started using phrases like “aggressive calorie deficit” while telling me I hadn’t eaten enough…)”

How to succeed in The Big Golf Race

Graeme and Alex have a few tips for those looking to take on the challenge themselves.

Graeme says: “The legs started to feel tired after around 45-50 holes, but keeping them moving was definitely a better idea than stopping and starting.

“Having a cap, lots of water, snacks and a playing partner helps massively.

“We started so early and having the course to ourselves early and late meant we were able to go through Ailsa in two-and-a-half hours each time. King Robert the Bruce was fairly quiet and we got through that in three hours too. Both of us were fairly fast walkers and fit, which helps. We had six par threes on the Arran, so doing that loop was rapid and nobody was in that course all day pretty much!

“We also only had one lengthy break of 90 mins where we had a shower and big meal at around 4pm. We were stocked up with protein bars, sweets and water which helped. And the Bunkered camera guy brought us some bacon rolls too.”

“We actually finished when the sun was still shining – luckily it was a clear day, but I imagine if it was overcast that might make the light drop quicker. I think the early start (as close to sunrise as you can) and finding a lot of par threes, or even repeating short par threes is the key for getting the holes in before it gets dark.”

The reward

Graeme and Alex may have ended their day with some achy limbs, but they’ve no doubt it was well worth it. For Graeme, he was delighted to use his influence as The Fitness Chef to further a cause so close to his heart.

He says: “My mission is to educate people about nutrition and how to live a healthy lifestyle – and that includes keeping on top of their physical health.

“We’re both delighted to have raised a fantastic amount for Prostate Cancer UK, and thank everyone for their generous donations to help save men’s lives.”

Alex adds: “We went into this thinking we would raise a few hundred pounds for an incredibly worthy cause, and as it stands we are north of £3,000 – so we are absolutely delighted and we can’t thank people enough for the support and kind words of encouragement.

“It was the longest 17 hours of my life that has left my body in a complete mess. And I’d absolutely go back and start it again.”

You can join The Fitness Chef and take on The Big Golf Race. Choose your challenge, get your mates together and take on 36, 72 or 100 holes in a day to help save men’s lives, one hole and one donation at a time.

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