75-hole marathon marks Shropshire golfer's birthday
Richard Martinali will be hoping for clear skies and firm fairways when he sets off for a game of golf with a difference tomorrow.
For keen golfer Richard aims to mark his three-quarters of a century by playing 75 holes of golf at his home course Arscott in Pontesbury, near Shrewsbury.
He completed 70 holes for charity five years ago, raising £3,000 along the way and hopes to better the mark this time. Money from the event will be divided between his two favourite charities the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Midlands Air Ambulance.
Mr Martinali, who has a handicap of 25, will have a caddy for his golfing marathon but no motorised buggy and will be on the first tee at 7am.
He will be accompanied by a number of friends at various times before taking a well earned rest for lunch and expects to putt his final ball by 7pm.
Mr Martinali, who lives in nearby Plealey, was a founding member of Arscott Golf Club when it opened around 20 years ago and said his challenge represented four times round the course plus an extra three holes.
"I did 70 holes for my 70th birthday and raised nearly £3,000 so I though why not do the same again and hopefully beat the total I raised last time," he said.
"These are probably my two favourite charities and you never know in a rural area like Shropshire when you might need them."
"My actual birthday is on October 13 but I had to do it this month because there won't be enough daylight hours to complete it then.
"It will be really tough because most people play 18 holes and have had enough by then but golf is all about getting your mind right and I will be ready."
Richard will use 14 clubs throughout the challenge and said he will keep a score to see if he improves as the day wears on.
"In the last challenge I actually scored a birdie on the 70th hole so I'm going to keep score on the way round to see if I get better or if my game deteriorates," he added. So far the golfing fanatic has raised £1,330 and sponsorship forms will also be available at the golf club and the chemists in Pontesbury. Anyone wishing to sponsor him should call Richard on (01743) 790245 or visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/richardmartinali75holesinoneday
