Golf club tips
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When selecting your golf club it may be easier to approach a club where you or one of your team is already a member.
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You can play all 72 holes at a single golf club or challenge yourselves even more by playing 18 holes at four different clubs.
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Ask permission from the club to tee off at first daylight and make sure you have access to the course itself (ie the gates are open). The course superintendent will also need to be told about your challenge and early tee off.
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Ask for a mobile phone number of an appropriate staff member so you can call and check if weather conditions look like they may prevent play.
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Book specific tee times for each round so you're not held up. Get permission from the club to be able to play through other players on the day.
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Organise your lunch with the golf club for a specific time. Perhaps the club will provide this for you as a way of supporting your challenge.
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Promote your challenge by displaying the 'Team to watch' poster (on our Downloads page) on the golf club's notice board.
Nick's tips
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See if you can find a volunteer to caddy for you.
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On the day have a good healthy breakfast and start your challenge at first light.
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Have a light lunch before your third round and I suggest a light snack before your final round.
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Ensure you drink lots of water, at least one bottle per round. Take some bananas and energy bars with you. And I suggest you stay off the alcoholic drinks until the 73rd hole!
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If you can, I advise you to have a shower after 36 holes and change your shirt and socks.
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Your feet are your best friends – make sure your shoes are comfortable and suitably worn in. Do not wear new shoes for this event.
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Play off the forward tees; you want all the help you can get. Don't give more than a cursory look for lost balls as you are unlikely to score anyway.
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Time is of the essence – first player to his/her ball plays and first player ready on the tee tees off.
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Do not forget how much planning, preparation and effort you have put into this challenge. Picture how proud and happy you will be when you and your team mates putt out on the 72nd green and are able to head for the 73rd hole.
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Above all, enjoy the challenge!
Good golfing!
Nick Dougherty
European Tour Professional and Alfred Dunhill Links Champion 2007