AN intrepid golfer has completed his ‘toughest yet’ challenge, inspired by his courageous mum.
Pro golfer Peter Mackenzie has a motto in life: appreciate what you have as you don’t know what’s around the corner.
This mantra has spurred the 48-year-old into raising a staggering £30,000 for Breast Cancer UK over the last few years.
Peter’s mum Jean was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021.
Peter, from Wilmslow, has been a Professional Golfers Association (PGA) pro golfer since leaving school.
His epic crusade has included playing seven courses of golf in one day, along with a 24-hour, 250-hole golf challenge at championship golf course Nairn Golf Club.
Kicking off at Dumbarnie Links golf course in Fife, he was joined by captain of the PGA David Scott, who is also general manager of the club.
Peter then set off for what was supposed to be a 30-mile walk to tackle the second golf course at Milnathort in Kinross.
Peter said: “I ended up in a field where I didn't know where I was going, so had to cut back and go a longer route. I ended up walking 48 miles.
“I’d also lost my jacket and was almost hypothermic because it was really cold and raining.” Peter only had a couple of hours sleep before rising at 2am to play his second 18-hole course at Milnathort, with his LED head torch to guide play and glow-in-the-dark balls.
Afterwards, he walked 23 miles to Gleneagles Golf Course in Auchterarder.
The successful completion of his feat was marked with a Scottish piper, as friends, family, colleagues, and fellow golf players gathered to congratulate Peter on his impressive achievement.
He was presented with a special gift by the PGA to recognise his 25th anniversary of being a qualified club pro this year.
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Peter covered 84 miles and burned 18,000 calories, a reminder of the importance of training and fuelling in the lead up to the event.
On average, Peter walked 100 miles a week during the past year to prepare for the challenge.
Peter said: “You spend a lot of time training to do these things, it's not a turn up and go event.
“So my feet are still fresh. My shoulders aren't raw. And in all honesty, I enjoy doing it.”
When the going got tough, Peter just thought of the people undergoing treatment for breast cancer or who had lost their lives to the disease.
He said: “In those moments you think about people in a hospital bed, terminally ill.
“I have a bit of achiness or bleeding and cuts or whatever but only for a moment in my life.
“Whereas some people are going to lose somebody through cancer. So that's what I think about to pull me through.
His mum Jean, who was also an avid golfer along with his dad, is now cancer-free and is still his inspiration for coming up with even bigger and more challenging fundraising events.
Peter added: “She's massively proud of what I do because she’s been there and knows how much charities like Breast Cancer UK do to help people.”
Peter is very grateful to his support network both before and during the event, especially from his fiancé Jan.
He said: “She's been brilliant. “Without her support, I couldn't do what I've done. It would have been a lot more strenuous and painful to do it without her.”
An online live auction, which will include items such as signed sporting memorabilia and golfing kit, has also been organised by Peter and will take place throughout September, along with a barbecue.
Both events hope to raise even more for Breast Cancer UK.
To donate, visit justgiving.com/page.peter-mackenzie-glenwalk.
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