In November of 2018, Yass Golf Club’s resident professional, Michael Cole, decided that he would undertake the Longest Day challenge to raise money and awareness for the NSW Cancer Council.
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The results of the fundraiser, which took place on December 17, exceeded all of his expectations.
Following a full 12 hours and 72 holes of golf, the Yass community had shown its full support for Cole, and raised a total of $4,329.38.
“I was really, really impressed by and appreciative of how everyone dug deep,” Cole said.
“It was fantastic. I had a lot of support throughout the day of people coming and watching and playing a few holes with me.”
The day was launched by Cole’s daughter, who hit the first tee shot at 6.00am. Cole was also joined by a friend and member of the YGC, who played the whole day alongside him.
“He spoke to me just the day before and he said ‘I’ll join you for it,’” Cole said.
“I said ‘how many holes do you want to play?’ And he said ‘I’ll do them all with you.’”
Following her tee shot, Cole’s daughter followed them throughout the day and replenished drinks while providing consistent support, and she was joined by many other members of the Yass community.
Considering the success of the first fundraiser, Cole said that he would happily join the event in future years.
“I think they’re going to try to run it once a year, and I’d like to be involved in some way,” he said.
“I would definitely love to be involved in this sort of thing in the future.”
Part of Cole’s motivation to take part in the Longest Day was to support people like his former boss, a father of three who was recently diagnosed with cancer having already lost his wife to cancer a number of years prior.
“I think that it’s important to realise for anyone that when there is adversity either in your own life or someone else’s, you can make a difference,” Cole said.
“What we’re able to achieve here is fairly small compared to the grand scheme of things, but every bit helps.”
Cole’s donation page will remain open and taking donations until January 28 if any members of the community still want to contribute.