A KIND-hearted golfer is bidding for a place in the record books -- and a huge £100,000 cheque for charity -- as he nears the end of a mammoth 10-month challenge.
Bernard Wood, 58, of Richmond Avenue, Haslingden, has been on the road since January 2 as he aims to complete every 18-hole golf course in mainland Scotland -- all 377 of them, a total of 6,786 holes!
After starting the challenge in Powfoot, Annan, he hopes to play his last shot at the Cally Palace Hotel, Gatehouse-of-Fleet, on November 5.
Now the experts at Guinness World Records are busy looking into the feat to check if Mr Wood has created a new world record, for playing the most courses in one year.
Most of the courses donated rounds for free and Mr Wood, who has taken time out from his job as a partner in a holiday home business, said: "It has been brilliant so far and I've surprised myself, my enthusiasm each day has been high even though I have often been playing twice a day."
He is hoping to raise the six-figure sum for Kirsty's Appeal, the charity spearheaded by Kirsty Howard, a terminally ill nine-year-old girl and famously supported by David Beckham and Tony Blair. He said he chose the charity, which supports the Francis House Children's Hospice in Manchester, because it was the "natural choice" after raising money for the hospice in the past.
The father of four is a member of Rossendale Golf Club and plays off a handicap of 17.
He added: "The people of Scotland have been very welcoming and very supportive. I am travelling around in a motor home but I've only slept in it about 16 times since January because everywhere I go people offer me a place to stay.
"It's great to raise so much money and all of the practice has certainly helped reduce my handicap!"
He said he has remained injury-free during the past 10 months .
He said: "I have always loved Scottish golf courses and have had the idea for a long time in the back of my mind. I realised that it was now or never. My wife Enid was very supportive and told me to go for it and I'm very pleased I have."
Despite travelling alone he said he has only played a solo round on a handful of occasions, the other times he has been joined by local club members.
A spokesman for Guinness World Records said: "We are looking in to Mr Wood's claim to see if we can create a world record."
For more information on the challenge visit Mr Wood's website which is at www.scotlandgolfmarathon.com.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article