100 holes for 100 years of Fredericton Golf Club

Monday was the longest day of the year in more ways than one for Craig Stairs.The Fredericton Golf Club member teedoff under a full moon at 5 a.m., in his quest to play 100 holes in one dayto celebrate 100 years of Fredericton Golf Club.

His day ended447 shots later (57 over par), on the 18th green, shortly before7:30 p.m.

"It was great. I got through the afternoon. The golf wasn't pretty, but the company was good and it was a beautiful day. So, I'm glad it's over," said Stairs.

"I'm really tired right now. I felt good right up until making that last putt, but I'm ready for a rest."

Stairs took an afternoon nap after the first 64 holes, and spent a total of eight hours and 26 minutes out on the course.

He walked every hole, a total distance of around 30 kilometres,not counting diversions into the rough.

Monday's marathon golfing session also raisedfunds for charities close to the hearts of many club members.

The money is being split between the Canadian Cancer Society and the club's junior golf program.

"We all know people that have had that [cancer] battle," said Stairs.

"And we have some very close friends here at the Fredericton Golf Club that have gone down that road."

Stairs' friends, and former members, Eric Jamieson and Mel Murray have died from cancer over the past decade.

The third hole features a memorial footbridge in honour of Murray. It resembles the famous "Swilken Bridge" at the St Andrews Links course in Scotland.

Generation game

Stairs' caddy on the last hole was one of the club's most popular members, 93-year-old George Smith.

Smith has been a member of the club for around 60 years.

He plays five times a week, and always walks the course.

"I think it's fantastic. To tell you the truth, I didn't think he could do it," joked Smith.

"That's a lot of golf. There's no two ways about that. But he did very well."

Course manager Alan Howie said the event is the latest chapter in the history of a club where so many members feel at home.

"You join as a member but then you, after a couple of years, become great friends," said Howie.

"I've seen people get married because they met here at the golf course. It's been really good."

Record breakers

It took Stairs an average of 91 minutes and five seconds to play a round.

His feat may be impressive, but it won't earn him aworld record.

Guinness World Records has two benchmarks for the most holes played by walking, single golfers in a day, and one is held by a Canadian.

The most holes played in 12 hours is 221. Scott Holland broke the record in 2005 in Banff, Alberta. He played using only a seven iron.

The most holes played in 24 hours is 401, or 22 rounds and ve holes. Ian Colston's record has remained unbroken since he achieved it in Australia in 1971.