GOLF: Ryan's fund-raising marathon (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Dix in the dark about his charity golf marathon

10:17am Sunday 8th August 2010 in Sport By Danny Hall, Sports Editor

CIRENCESTER pro shop assistant Ryan Dix is looking for partners to join him for an unusual game of golf – although prospective takers should know that a large section of the game will take place in pitch darkness.

Dix, 21, is embarking on a charity 24-hour golf marathon at Cirencester Golf Club in aid of Dementia UK.

He tees off in daylight at 6pm on September 23 and plays right through for 24 hours without a break. And he won’t have the use of a golf buggy – he is walking all the way “It is a solo effort, but if anyone is willing to join me for a few holes or walk around and keep me company they will be very welcome,” said Dix.

“I already have some volunteers who will accompany me through the night when for health and safety reasons I will only be playing Holes 1, 2, and 3 close to the clubhouse. But in daylight hours, I will be playing the whole course.”

Dix, whose handicap is 5, is taking on this challenge because he is all too familiar with the devastating effects of dementia.

“I decided to organise it as my Grandad was diagnosed with dementia last year and I have seen how hard it is to cope with the condition and also for my family to take care of him,” said Dix.

“Raising this money will go towards helping dementia sufferers get the care and support they need.”

Dix has bought some night golf equipment so he can illuminate the holes and night golf balls that can be seen in the dark.

He will have the use of torches while walking and setting up golf shots.

As for food and other necessities, he will eat on the hoof and take loo breaks when desperately needed. No catnaps allowed For anyone wishing to support this novel fund-raising effort, go to http:www.justgiving.com/Ryan-Dix or log on to the Facebook page ‘Ryan’s 24-hour Golf marathon.”