FOUR long-term friends have taken on the mammoth challenge of tackling four golf courses in one day to raise funds for a cancer charity.
The team played 72 holes as part of the Longest Day challenge set by MacMillan Cancer Support.
Setting out from Banchory golf course at 4.30am yesterday, they needed special permission to play before the course was officially opened.
Mastering the 18 holes in under three hours, they moved on to play at Inchmarlo, close to Banchory, then the course at Braemar and lastly Ballater.
Neil Archibald, 31, of Airyhall Crescent, Aberdeen, took part in the annual challenge for the first time along with Keith Young, 37, of Bellwood Drive, Aboyne, Graeme McDonald, 32, of Valentine Drive, Bridge of Don, and Barry Hulse, 31, of Earnsheugh Avenue, Cove.
“We have all had friends and family that have been affected by cancer,” said Mr Archibald.
“MacMillan is one of those charities you feel you should do something for. It’s been a really good day. It helps that we know we have raised £1,700 for the charity. It spurs us on quite a bit.”
The four courses were completely new to the golfers and Mr Archibald praised staff at each of the clubs who let the men play for free.
They will consider repeating the challenge next year, but will pick four different golf courses, he added.