THERE are marathons which stray away from the traditional distance spanning an historic 26 miles and 385 yards.

Other sports have taken to stamina-stretching events, usually accompanied by a fundraising goal, and golf is no exception.

The latest test of mettle and spirit is at Sandburn Hall Golf Club, where five of the club’s members are to attempt playing 100 holes in a single day – a marathon effort in any sporting lexicon.

Tuesday, July 21, is the date scheduled for the dawn to dusk mission and the quintet are Bethany Acey, Gary Acey, Eddie Thomas, Dave Carrington, the club’s current vice-captain, and Dan Potter, the former York City Knights captain.

The first four are having a crack at the tee ton-up challenge to realise cash for the British Heart Foundation, while Potter’s bid is for another charity.

Junior club captain Beth Acey, at the age of 14, is the youngest of the five to tackle the daunting challenge.

Explaining that the target aimed at is a grand total of £4,000, the talented teenager said: “To be able to combine my passion for golf and be able to do something worthwhile just feels wonderful.”

Eddie Thomas works at Sandburn Hall, where he is clubhouse assistant and social secretary, and he added: “We reckon it is going to take about 15 to 16 hours – even using buggies.

“My dad died of a heart attack 20 years ago and a lot of my family have also suffered from the condition.

“The British Heart Foundation is the captain’s charity this year and we want to raise a lot of money.”

For more information on the event and how to donate, phone Sandburn Hall on 01904 469922 or email info@sandburnhall.co.uk Forest Park GC stalwart Brian Bircumshaw, whom The Press featured last week after he completed 72 holes in one day as part of his 72nd birthday celebrations, has opened a website www.justgiving.com/brian-bircumshaw to let people know how their donations have been sent to the British Heart Foundation.

He remains hopeful of cracking the £1,000 barrier.

Meanwhile, the competition is hotting up as the inaugural season of the York & District Golf League reaches the half way stage, with only two points separating the top three.

Howard Smith regained the lead with a steady round and leads Martin Alderson-Crombie by one point.

Previous leader Shaun Adams slipped to third.

Andrew Wright won the nearest the pin competition to earn three bonus points.

Latest standings (after five weeks): 1 Howard Smith 103 points, 2 Martin Alderson-Crombie 102, 3 Shaun Adams 101, 4 Paul Hillaby 96, 5 Al Cadden 93, 6 James Wright 87, 7 Gary Smith 86, 8 Peter Lambert 85, 9 Jason Knight 82, 10 Martin Hillaby 82.