Golfers aim to card a 99

May 30 2008

FOUR intrepid Highland Perthshire golfers are limbering-up for a bizarre summer charity challenge.

Pitlochry pro Mark Pirie and three club stalwarts, David Downie, Andy Burrows and Steve Carruthers, have signed-up for the Macmillan Longest Day Challenge.

But not content with tackling 72 holes in a single day, they’re teeing-up 99 to mirror the age of a club on countdown to their 2009 centenary!

They’ll drive off from the first tee at Dunkeld at 4am and hope to begin the final leg of an exhausting challenge around 7.30pm on their home course.

Along the way they’ll clock up a 70-mile drive on Highland Perthshire roads, taking in Dunkeld, Strathmore, Aberfeldy, Taymouth, Kenmore, Blair Atholl and, of course, Pitlochry.

Mark explained: “The challenge will flag-up next year’s Pitlochry centenary celebrations and raise money for a great cause. Cancer impacts on the lives of so many people and Macmillan Cancer Support is a fine charity.”

Club captain David plays off seven, Andy, his vice-captain is a four handicapper and Steve is a scratch county player. But it’s their endurance rather than golfing skills which will be tested on June 24.

“We will be knackered!” admitted Mark. “When we tee-up on the first at Pitlochry for the final 18 we’ll be facing those three notorious uphill holes. Luckily it’s downhill all the way on the 18th and it might well be dark by then.”

Golfers have already started rallying round and donations are being accepted at the Pitlochry pro shop and on the web at www.justgiving.com/pitlochry99.