Prostate Cancer UK’s flagship golfing fundraiser, The Big Golf Race, continues to set the benchmark for charity golf events, raising over £1.25million so far in 2025.
This achievement marks a significant year-on-year increase in support for men affected by prostate cancer – the most common cancer in England.
Since its launch in 2020, more than 17,300 golfers have taken on The Big Golf Race, collectively raising over £5.6 million to fund groundbreaking research aimed at transforming the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated.
High-profile participants have backed the campaign this year and embraced a challenge, including Rick Shiels, one of the world’s most-watched golf YouTubers who took on the gruelling 100-hole Ultra Marathon alongside his cameraman, Ben Wright, whose father is living with advanced prostate cancer. Short game specialist and fellow YouTube favourite Dan Grieve completed a heartfelt 36-hole challenge with his three young children. Meanwhile, television personality and Gladiators star Jamie Christian, better known as “Giant,” tackled the 72-hole Marathon with a friend, inspired by his uncle’s prostate cancer diagnosis and recovery. Jamie has so far raised over £2,000.
Jamie continues to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer UK by competing in The Betfred British Masters Pro-Am today at The Belfry. He will wear the eye-catching ‘Man of Men’ badge and the recognisable logo will also adorn his driver headcover.
Across the country, incredible and heartfelt challenges have been happening. Among them, Mark Taylor generated an astonishing £225,000 for Prostate Cancer UK from an event at Beaconsfield Golf Club, where 72 golfers each completed 100 holes. Meanwhile, PGA Professional Nick Brewaeys and his friend Ross Lawrance made history at West Cornwall Golf Club, breaking a Guinness World Record by playing 184 holes in 21 hours and 45 minutes – three holes more than the previous record – and raising over £5,500 in the process.
“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,” she added.
The nationwide challenge invites golfers to take on 36, 72, or even 100 holes or more in a single day. Since its inception, participation has grown rapidly, and this year’s fundraising total represents a significant increase on last year’s figure (an increase of £128,000 at this time last year), highlighting both the event’s rising popularity and the generosity of the golfing community.
Prostate Cancer UK has long harnessed the power of golf to drive positive change, spearheading initiatives such as The Big Golf Race, Captain’s Charity programmes, and partnerships with golf clubs nationwide. With more than 32,000 golfers engaged in its fundraising efforts, the charity remains steadfast in its mission to make a meaningful impact in the fight against prostate cancer.
According to independent research* commissioned by the charity, two-thirds (66%) of golfers recognise Prostate Cancer UK as being actively involved in golf across the country, placing it significantly ahead of other organisations. Furthermore, 81% of golfers believe the charity’s involvement in the sport is highly appropriate, reaffirming its strong presence and positive impact within the golfing community.
However, there is still work to be done as the research suggests somewhat surprisingly only 52% of golf clubs currently support a charity, particularly when 77% of golfers say they, or someone they know, have been affected by prostate cancer. That figure rises to 82% among golfers aged 65 and over.
“The research findings reaffirm the dedication and hard work we’ve invested over the past decade to raise awareness of prostate cancer within the golfing community,” added Evans. “But it’s also clear more can be done to ultimately help save men’s lives.
“One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. 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,” she added.
Beyond raising vital funds, The Big Golf Race fosters a powerful sense of camaraderie with 91% of participants valuing the experience of taking part with friends, and 81% see it as an opportunity to spend more quality time together. Looking ahead, more than half (55%) of golfers surveyed said they would consider taking on a challenge in the future, reinforcing its reputation as one of the sport’s most impactful charity challenges.
*The research was conducted among British and Irish men and women golfers in February 2025 and again in June 2025 by leading sports research company Sporting Insights.
For more information on Prostate Cancer UK’s flagship golf programme including The Big Golf Race visit www.prostatecanceruk.org/golf
