Willett completes golf and mountain challenge for charity

A month ago, PGA Professional Luke Willett told national charity the Golf Foundation that he could devise and complete a unique ‘PEAK Potential’ charity challenge to remind everyone of the health benefits of golf, ignite a sense of adventure for people to reach their potential, while raising funds for the Foundation.

Willett’s aim was to climb the three highest mountains in England - Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Skiddaw – and play 54 holes of golf, near enough to par, on three Lakeland courses, all within 24 hours.

After training with 11 marathons in 11 weeks, Willett tackled the Lake District’s famed mountains, while also taking on three great golfing challenges of Windermere, Keswick and Cockermouth across the weekend of August 22-23.

Willett, who is based at Hampstead Golf club, silenced any doubters by ascending almost 3,000 metres, travelling 47km and successfully completing 54 holes in 23 hours and 34 minutes.

His achievement was made all the more incredible given the 35-year-old was forced to tackle driving rain and winds of up to 70mph.

Willett said: “Battling over three mountains, while playing three rounds of golf, each in well under an hour, may sound extreme but in truth the experience could not have been more joyful.

“PEAK Potential was certainly my most adventurous round of the year and a fitting conclusion in completing 12 marathons in 12 consecutive weeks.”

At the forefront of Willett’s thinking was the opportunity to demonstrate to young people connected with the Golf Foundation that golf can be a part of life’s great adventure. Helping young people to reach their potential was also a driver for experienced coach Willett.

He continued: “My big aim was to get young people thinking about health and fitness through golf, to help them reach their peak potential.

“If anyone reading this is intrigued by my efforts, please donate to my chosen charity the Golf Foundation; help us to inspire more kids from all backgrounds to love golf and acquire life skills that will help them to cope with this changing world around us. Golf has great mental and physical health benefits. It’s a beautiful game.”

Willett has took part in a number of daring fundraising challenges, including his #TheGreatBritishOpenChallenge, when he cycled 830 miles around the UK, playing all 14 Open Championship courses, while carrying four golf clubs on his bike in all weathers, in just 10 days.

So far Willett has raised more than £13,000 for the Golf Foundation, which will help provide life changing opportunities to young people as the charity helps more youngsters from all backgrounds to enjoy the game.

Vanessa Bell, Head of Fundraising at the Golf Foundation, added: “This was a highly imaginative, brave and athletic effort from Luke which really has shown us how golf can be part of life’s great adventure.

“A huge thanks again to Luke from everyone connected with our charity, helping to highlight our work to change young lives through the power of golf.”

Following his latest epic golfing adventure, Willett is hoping to take his inspiring story into schools, discussing his training and spirit of adventure with pupils, before offering golf coaching to encourage them to try the game.

CLICK HERE to find out more about Willett’s story and to make a donation.

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