Hudson-Grey Pirie, an eight-year-old golf-mad youngster from Kingston, has completed his challenge of playing 72 holes of golf in one day.
Through the challenge – a remarkable feat, considering the pros normally do that over four days – Hudson-Grey is raising money for children’s charity Spread a Smile, which supports children who are hospitalised.
Hudson-Grey Pirie playing 72 holes at Bourn Golf and Country Club to raise money for children’s charity Spread a Smile. Picture: Keith Heppell
He chose to fundraise for that particular charity as it works with his middle brother, Kit.
Hudson-Grey took on the daunting task at Bourn Golf and Country Club on Wednesday, 29 July.
Hudson-Grey’s mum, Harriet, said he completed the challenge in 14 hours, adding: “It was in 14 and a half hours with a half an hour break, so he did the whole thing in 14 hours.
“He was amazing; he just ploughed through it all day.”
He had raised £3,126 for Spread a Smile by last week, with some donations still coming in.
Harriet said Hudson-Grey was “quite overwhelmed” at having completed the 72 holes.
“He’s absolutely buzzing that he’s done it and feeling so excited,” she said.
Hudson-Grey Pirie plays 72 holes at Bourn Golf and Country Club for charity Picture: Keith Heppell
Hudson-Grey told the Cambridge Independent that the challenge was fun, that he “really liked it” – and that he “loved doing it for the charity too”.
Might he do another similar challenge in the future?
“Yes,” was the immediate and confident reply from the young sportsman who cites Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose as his favourite golfers, “100 holes in a day instead of 72!”
Hudson-Grey Pirie playing 72 holes at Bourn Golf and Country Club to raise money for children’s charity Spread a Smile. Picture: Keith Heppell
Harriet added: “The love and support everyone’s put behind Hudson and the cause has been really special.
“I think it’s made the whole thing even more special, with the people that have been inspired by him and been impressed by him…
“On the day, there were so many members going around the golf course and cheering him on, clapping him in at the 9th hole, clapping him out of it to the 10th hole, and the 18th…
“It was just a really special day, and as his mum and dad we’re incredibly proud of him for doing it.
“He’s already planning the next one, so we’re having to get behind another one in the making! We’re just really proud and really grateful to everyone for supporting and getting behind him.”