The goal has always been to make 100 holes. However, the Glenboro golfers had peaked out one year at 126 holes. In 2023, the Tosh duo set up to break that with 127. With that done, they went further to break their own best, ending at 129 holes.
“Next year, the goal will still be 100. We will just see then if we can better it.”
Tosh said they just go round and round the nine-hole course. As the purpose is not only to play golf, but to raise money for cancer research, other golfers try to accommodate their efforts.
“The people in Souris know we are doing this,” Tosh explained. “When we walk up, the others let us play through. Everybody is supportive.”
He said they pack a cooler with food and drinks so they can eat while they play. Otherwise, not only would meals slow down the games, you might seize up after a while. As Tosh explained, they are not speed golfers by any means, but to get through that many holes, you have to keep your eyes on the prize and keep playing consistently. He added people ask him if he gets tired, but you do tend to get on a roll and keep going.
There was one highlight during the day. Ty beat his dad for the first time ever during round 13. Father enjoyed the moment.
“You have the competitive spirit, you never want to lose, but it was cool to see. He beat me with a good score too, which is better than me having a bad game.”
Money is collected from pledges and donations, with some people giving money over while they are on the golf course. Over the two years they have participated, the Tosh men have collected nearly $10,000 for the cause. A tax receipt from Cancer Care is available for any donation over $20. The money goes to the Canadian Cancer Society for research. Overall, the Monday Marathon golf challenge has raised $143,732.
The original pair is still going strong. Tosh said this year, the Glenboro course was cleared for the day with the idea they could break the 12-hour world record of 306 holes of golf. They obliterated that number, reaching the 333 holes level, an unofficial record. Tosh said they told him they were pretty sore for a few days. He added with a laugh that the Tosh team was not intending to try to better that mark.
However, Glen and Ty are looking to return to the links for Marathon Monday next year.
“I think I will do it as long as Ty is interested,” he stated. “It’s a great cause and it is a great way to spend time with my son. It raises money and awareness and it is a great day for us.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff