The Big Golf Race winter shoot-out: Coming to you in 2025

Sir Chris Hoy has stepped up to back The BIGGER 180 and is sharing a lifesaving message for men – don’t wait for symptoms of prostate cancer and check your risk today.

One of Britain’s best-loved sporting heroes, Sir Chris is urging men to “get on the front foot” by taking our 30-second online risk checker.

He’s also starting a national conversation about prostate cancer – so that more men find it early enough for a cure.

Once again, Paddy Power are leading the charge to save men’s lives by teaming up with us for The BIGGER 180 at this year’s World Darts Championship. Paddy Power have pledged £1,000 for every maximum – plus a colossal £180,000 bonus for each nine-darter. That’s £60,000 to the player who lands the perfect checkout, £60,000 for one lucky fan in the Ally Pally crowd, and £60,000 to support our groundbreaking prostate cancer screening trial, TRANSFORM.

We’re also aiming to get 180,000 sports fans checking their risk of prostate cancer. And as an ambassador for The BIGGER 180, Sir Chris is backing our big message to men.

I’m in. How do I enter?

“This campaign is about saving lives,” said Sir Chris. “It’s about getting more men checked earlier and catching the disease before it becomes serious. That’s how we make a real difference.

“I found out I had stage four prostate cancer without any symptoms. By the time I felt pain, it wasn’t in my prostate anymore – it was secondary cancer in my bones. If I’d thought to check when I was younger, maybe I’d have caught it in time. That’s why raising awareness is so important. So others don’t end up in the same situation.”

Sir Chris, whose father and grandfather had prostate cancer, says the key is catching it early - when it’s easier to treat. And the first step is to check your risk.

“The online risk checker takes just 30 seconds. You can do it any time of day – it’s so simple and easy,” he said. “Men with a family history or Black men, who are at higher risk, need to be particularly vigilant. It’s not just about waiting till you’re 50. Getting on the front foot is crucial.”

FIND A TRACKMAN VENUE NEAR YOU

The incredible support of family and friends, plus the many kind messages he’s received from members of the public, have moved Sir Chris since he revealed his terminal prostate cancer diagnosis earlier this year. And now he wants everyone to reach out to the men in their lives, and start talking about prostate cancer.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have so much support from my family, friends and even the general public,” he said. “The kindness has lifted me up and given me a sense of purpose.

“A problem shared is a problem halved. So check in on your mates, your dad, your brother. One conversation could make all the difference.”

When does The Big Golf Race Winter Shoot-out start?

But it isn’t just about fundraising. The Big Golf Race sparked crucial conversations about prostate cancer, encouraging men to think about their health while doing something they love. The event highlighted how golf—a sport rooted in camaraderie and endurance—could become a powerful platform for awareness and support.

The tournament rules

The impact didn’t stop there. The event gained momentum through social media buzz, boosted by the support of celebrities like comedians Alex Horne and John Robins, who shared their experiences online, inspiring others to join.

The wait is over! New video up now! @WycombeHeights @cobragolfuk @ProstateUK https://t.co/tkI4cPCNvG pic.twitter.com/EAA2AOhNik

— Bad Golf (@BadGolfChannel) July 12, 2022

Get golfing to save lives in 2025!

As the official charity partner of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, we’ll be there for every arrow – from the first match on Sunday 15 December right through to the final on 3 January.

With The BIGGER 180, Paddy Power’s generous donations will help support our TRANSFORM trial. The trial will find the best way to screen for prostate cancer and pave the way to a national screening programme, which could save thousands of lives every year.

“The TRANSFORM trial could completely change the game for prostate cancer screening, and Paddy Power’s support is helping make that possible,” said Sir Chris.

“Every 180 scored during the tournament brings us £1,000 closer to a future where prostate cancer is caught early and treated effectively.”

You can throw your support behind The BIGGER 180 too. Check your risk of prostate cancer today. And if you’ve done it already, talk to the men in your life and ask them to check their risk too. It only takes 30 seconds – you can do it while you’re watching the darts!

JOIN THE BIG GOLF RACE 2025