Golf for a great cause

Good causes attract good people.

Maree Thomas and Josh Denize are proof of that.

For the last three years the two friends have completed The Longest Day Challenge at Waahi Taakaro Golf Course to raise money for the Cancer Society.

Yesterday they were at it again, playing all 72 holes over 11 and a half hours.

Maree – who has family in Nelson - made the long flight from Perth where she works for a mining company to take part in this year’s edition.

The occasional golfers managed two warm-up rounds of 18 holes on Saturday and Sunday in an attempt to get match fit for the marathon.

Starting at 6.45am yesterday they walked the first 12 holes before using carts donated by Waahi Taakaro Golf Club to complete the rest of the holes.

They played virtually nonstop apart from a 15-minute break to shelter from a downpour on a day of changeable weather. Although they didn’t keep score, they were still smiling and playing good golf shots right to the end.

They got a pick-me-visit from three young women dressed in tutus half way through the day, while club manager Peter Watson accompanied them for the final 9 holes.

There was little time for Maree to relax afterwards: she had to race home and pack for an early morning  flight back to Perth, while Josh at least had time for a well-earned beer on the clubhouse deck.

The club – which also handed over a donation to the pair – salutes their commitment to what is a special cause which we urge others to support.

You can donate by clicking on this link https://longestday.org.nz/t/birdie-smugglers