Prostate Cancer UK’s flagship golfing fundraiser, The Big Golf Race, has smashed records in 2025, raising more than £1.25 million so far this year. The total marks a significant increase on last year and takes the overall fundraising figure since the event launched in 2020 to over £5.6 million.
More than 17,300 golfers have now taken part in the nationwide challenge, which invites players to take on 36, 72, or even 100 holes in a single day to support men affected by prostate cancer, the most common cancer in England.
This year, a number of well-known names joined the effort. YouTube star Rick Shiels, one of the world’s most-watched golf creators, completed the gruelling 100-hole “Ultra Marathon” alongside his cameraman Ben Wright, whose father is living with advanced prostate cancer.
Short-game specialist Dan Grieve played 36 holes with his three young children, while television personality and Gladiators star Jamie Christian, better known as “Giant” took on the 72-hole challenge in tribute to his uncle, who has recovered from the disease.
Christian has already raised over £2,000 and is continuing his awareness efforts by competing in the Betfred British Masters Pro-Am at The Belfry this week, sporting the charity’s distinctive ‘Man of Men’ badge.
But it was not just famous faces making headlines. At Beaconsfield Golf Club, 72 golfers each completed 100 holes in a single day, raising an astonishing £225,000. In Cornwall, PGA professional Nick Brewaeys and Ross Lawrance set a Guinness World Record by playing 184 holes in 21 hours and 45 minutes – three more than the previous record – generating more than £5,500.
“This year’s Big Golf Race has been nothing short of phenomenal, and the stories of determination and creativity we’ve heard from participants have been truly inspiring,” said Seren Evans, Head of Events and Community Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK.
“We’ve seen more golfers than ever step up to the challenge, pushing themselves physically and mentally on the course to raise vital funds that could save lives. Every pound raised brings us closer to better tests, better treatments, and ultimately, a cure.”
Research commissioned by the charity highlights both the popularity and importance of golf as a platform for awareness.
Two-thirds of golfers recognise Prostate Cancer UK’s involvement in the sport, more than any other organisation and 81% believe the partnership is highly appropriate.
Yet the survey also revealed that only 52% of golf clubs currently support a charity, despite 77% of golfers saying they or someone they know has been affected by prostate cancer. Among golfers aged 65 and over, that figure rises to 82%.
Beyond fundraising, the event is creating lasting memories and strengthening community bonds. Ninety-one per cent of participants said they valued taking part with friends, while 81% saw it as an opportunity to spend more quality time together.
Encouragingly, more than half of golfers surveyed said they would consider signing up in the future.
“One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer,” Evans added. “Next time you’re at your golf club, take a moment to look around and count, those numbers are real. That’s why raising awareness of prostate cancer risk is so important, together with the fundraising to fund lifesaving research.”
With more than 32,000 golfers now engaged in its fundraising programmes from The Big Golf Race to captain’s charity initiatives and club partnerships, Prostate Cancer UK is continuing to strengthen its bond with the sport. And with this year’s record-breaking total, the golfing community has once again proved itself a powerful force in the fight against prostate cancer.
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