10 years of swinging for prostate cancer: a decade of unforgettable moments and life-changing achievements

Whether you tee’d off for The Big Golf Race, hosted a charity day at your club, or proudly wore your Man of Men badge at the British Masters, you have shown the incredible power the golf community has to support each other and drive change. Thank you for every swing, step and putt—it’s because of your dedication that we’ve gotten this far. 

Here’s a look back at what we’ve achieved together: 

Grassroots community power

Since their launch in 2016, our Golf Championships have become a cornerstone of Prostate Cancer UK’s golf calendar, bringing together thousands of passionate fundraisers to celebrate their hard work. What started with two events at Lymm and Sandy Lodge Golf Club, hosted by English professional golfer Andrew Murray, has grown into a series of five annual events across the UK.  

From Cathkin Braes in Scotland to Shipley Golf Club in Yorkshire, and all the other golf clubs that have hosted us, over 2,000 golfers have tee’d off on these unforgettable days. The Golf Championships wouldn’t be possible with the incredible hard work the participants do to fundraise for prostate cancer research. Over the past 10 years, we’ve been the chosen charity for 575 Captains and 1,340 golf days.  

And then in 2020, you continued to support us when The Big Golf Race teed off during the pandemic. Golfers across the UK rallied behind the new challenge and it quickly became one of Prostate Cancer UK’s landmark events. From the first tee to the final green, this golfing challenge called on participants to push their limits by playing 36, 72 or 100 holes in a single day to raise funds for research into the most common cancer in men.  

For many, this meant walking upwards of 20 or even 40 miles—turning a day on the course into a marathon effort for men’s health. Over 11,500 golfers have taken on this physical and mental challenge over the years, raising an incredible £4.6 million so far. 

Living with a prostate cancer diagnosis himself, Mike Bee, 58, has raised over £40,000 over the last four years taking part in The Big Golf Race. Over the summer he held another golf day. 

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 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

Our milestone partnerships

We have been the official charity partner at a couple of great golf events over the last decade, including the 2015 Scottish Senior Open. Held at Archerfield Links Golf Club, the tournament brought together the European Senior Tour and Prostate Cancer UK, as players and spectators united to support men affected by prostate cancer—the most common cancer among men in the UK. 

Defending champion Paul Broadhurst highlighted the event’s importance, stating, "I’m at that age now where prostate cancer could affect me, and this disease is something I’m very much aware of."  The event raised significant funds for research and support services. 

One of our more recent partnerships - the 2023 Betfred British Masters - was a weekend to remember! Hosted at The Belfry, it proved to be a standout year. With Sir Nick Faldo—one of Britain’s iconic golfers—donning the charity’s Man of Men badge as host, the event reached new heights of awareness and fundraising. Faldo’s personal connection to the cause and his message to the golfing community drove our message home; that 1 in 8 men will face prostate cancer in their lifetime. 

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And in an incredible moment, Matt Baldwin holed out from 197 yards with a five iron on the iconic par three 14th hole. “It’s an incredible feeling,” said Matt on his first ever professional tournament hole-in-one. The incredible ace triggered a £50,000 donation from the tournament sponsor, Betfred. 

🚨 HOLE IN ONE 🚨@mattbaldwin26 with an ace at the 14th, which means @Betfred will donate £50,000 to @ProstateUK 👏#BetfredBritishMasters pic.twitter.com/6OzJ2JR0WW

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 1, 2023

Beyond the course, fans rallied behind the cause through challenges, badge purchases, and even enjoying “Faldo’s Fish and Chips,” all contributing to nearly £200,000 raised during the partnership’s three-year span. The event’s success highlights golf’s unique power to unite players, fans, and sponsors in support of vital causes like prostate cancer awareness. 

Our inspiring ambassadors and supporters in golf

In 2019, while also hosting his first Betfred British Masters, Danny Willett joined us as an ambassador and has since become an unwavering advocate for prostate cancer awareness within the golfing world.  

The Masters champion was struck by the stark reality of prostate cancer when he learned that one man dies from the disease every 45 minutes. "That’s one man every three holes of golf,” Willett noted. This realisation has driven him to wear the Man of Men badge proudly throughout his playing seasons, using his platform to amplify awareness among players and fans alike. 

More recently, in 2022 YouTube golfing sensation Rick Shiels took on the challenge of a lifetime—walking 150 miles from Prestwick to St Andrews, the home of golf, with golf clubs strapped to his back. And in the following year in 2023, he cycled 500km from St Andrews to Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Motivated by the devastating impact of prostate cancer, Shiels has raised an incredible £184,500 to support lifesaving research. 

The journey wasn’t just physically demanding—blisters, unpredictable weather, and even a stress fracture tested his resolve. But along the way, Rick met countless individuals impacted by prostate cancer, which fueled his determination. Reflecting on the challenge, he said, "I met so many people in the ‘1 in 8’ club, and it hit home why this challenge was so important.” 

I never in my wildest dreams expected any of this!
Walking 150 miles from Prestwick to St Andrews was challenging but it’s something I’ll remember and treasure forever! pic.twitter.com/sDsDTLYFeR

— Rick Shiels PGA (@RickShielsPGA) June 21, 2022

READ MORE ABOUT RICK SHIELS' CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME

Awareness and innovation: How Titleist and HowDidIDo got involved

In 2018, we teamed up with Titleist to deliver a unique way to spread awareness and raise vital funds for prostate cancer research. The partnership saw golfers across the country teeing off with specially branded Prostate Cancer UK golf balls, each bearing the iconic Man of Men logo. 

Every drive, putt, and swing taken with these balls represented more than just a game—it became a powerful symbol raising awareness of the most common cancer in men. The awareness raised by these golf balls supported our ongoing mission to save lives and fund groundbreaking research in golf clubs and communities across the UK. 

Launched in 2017, the How Do We Beat It? competition has become a cornerstone of Prostate Cancer UK’s partnership with HowDidIDo, Europe’s largest online golf community. This annual tournament is a shining example of how the sport can unite thousands to raise both awareness and funds. 

This unique competition challenges golfers to log their best rounds while contributing to a lifesaving cause. Since its inception, the initiative has raised more than £250,000, with each donation going directly toward research and support for men living with prostate cancer. 

For many, the chance to compete and qualify for the prestigious Grand Final—held at world-renowned courses like Trump International and JCB Golf Club—adds an extra layer of excitement. But as past participants like Paul Jackson note, it’s the opportunity to make a tangible impact that leaves the most lasting impression. "Where else can you play for a great cause and have an experience like this?" 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW DO WE BEAT IT?

Your dedication makes a difference

As we reflect on an incredible year of achievements, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the golf community for their unwavering dedication, passion, and generosity. This year because of your support we’ve reached an incredible milestone, raising over £10 million through our golf fundraising! 

Your efforts—whether through ambitious challenges, friendly competitions, or simple acts of support—have made a tangible impact, helping us fund groundbreaking research and provide vital support for men and their families.  

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to write the next chapter together. We invite you to join us once again in driving change, one swing at a time. Let’s continue to make a difference, both on and off the course. Together, we can achieve even greater things. 

JOIN US IN 2025