Golf Australia partners with Cancer Council for golf marathon to raise awareness of skin cancer

Golf Australia is partnering with the Cancer Council for The Longest Day - an endurance golf marathon designed to test skill, strength, and stamina - which raised $3.1 million for cancer research in 2020. The challenge is to complete up to four rounds of golf from dawn to dusk and raise funds for Cancer Council’s research, prevention, and support services.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and two in three Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.

Fundraising from the Longest Day last year went towards protecting two million young Australians through the SunSmart school program, investing in research across Australia and funding Cancer Council’s services which were used almost 250,000 times by Australians impacted by cancer.

To raise more money and have an even greater impact for those suffering from cancer, this year the challenge is open to more golfers than ever before.

On course, participants can challenge themselves to:

• The Long Day – 36 holes (2 rounds)

• The Longer Day – 54 holes (3 rounds)

• Or the ultimate challenge: The Longest Day – 72 holes (4 rounds)

Off course, participants can embrace one of the game’s many formats to complete the challenge. For example, participants may complete the challenge by playing 36, 54 or 72 holes of mini golf, pitch & putt, simulator golf or one of golf’s other formats.

Golf Australia will provide marketing and promotional assistance for Cancer Council as part of the agreement.

Golf Australia Chief Executive, James Sutherland enthused “we’re thrilled to be partnering with Cancer Council for The Longest Day.

“It’s an initiative that encourages more people to play more golf, which is the foundation of what we do, but in addition it increases awareness and raises money for the prevention of skin cancer.

“This is also something that means a lot to us in the golf industry, because golfers spend long hours in the sun, and need to be reminded about the dangers of skin cancer in a country like Australia.

“We look forward to the day and encourage golfers to get in behind the campaign. We’re rapt to be partnering with Cancer Council and are proud of the positive impact the golf community has had over recent years.”

Cancer Council Victoria Chief Executive, Todd Harper adds “the wonderful sport of golf delivers positive physical and mental health benefits to many people.

“By participating in The Longest Day, the ultimate golf endurance challenge – and by being SunSmart, you’ll be helping people continue to fund life-saving research, prevention and support services to Australians affected by cancer.

“We’re very excited to be able to tee-off with Golf Australia for The Longest Day and to continue working towards a cancer-free future.”

The official Longest Day event takes place on Monday, 13th December, but participants can choose whichever day suits them in December to run their marathon.

The registration process is easy to complete – talk to your golf club, favourite course or golf facility to arrange a suitable day and time in December.

To register details and/or for more information go to www.longestday.org.au.

To become a corporate sponsor of The Longest Day please contact Cancer Council Victoria’s Corporate and Philanthropic Partnerships Manager Eddie Skelic at Eddie.Skelic@cancervic.org.au.