Click here to register for the Longest Day of Golf!

The 2020 Longest Day of Golf tees off in December and there's still time for all Australian golfers to take part.

Now in its eighth year, the Cancer Council initiative is the perfect way to raise funds for the prevention and early detection of skin cancer, just by playing full day of golf in December.

For the first time, golfers can choose different lengths of the challenge;

• The Long Day, over 36 holes

• The Longer Day, spanning 54 holes

• Or the ultimate challenge... The Longest Day, a full 72 holes

Golfers can play as they prefer – walking, having a caddie or using motorised transport.

There is no set competition format, although stableford is recommended to ensure a solid pace of play, ensure there's enough daylight, as well as to help all players remain focussed.

"The Longest Day is one of the best and most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had playing golf. I can’t wait to do it again this year."

Andrew Newbold, Chairman, Golf Australia

Funds are generated through varying forms of sponsorship of either the individual golfer or golf teams who participate. Family, friends, work colleagues and club members are encouraged to provide support for an amount for each hole played, overall score goals or simply a general donation. All sponsorship donations are tax deductible.

Golf Australia has been a long-term partner of The Longest Day and is proud to be supporting the challenge again in 2020.

Last year, the Australian golfing community raised an incredible $1.4 million towards skin cancer research and treatment initiatives including over 200 dermatoscopes – handheld skin microscopes – which were provided to GPs for the early detection of skin cancer, particularly in regional areas.

With access to the dermatoscopes and related training, doctors have been able to find melanomas at an earlier stage and with fewer excisions, which means more lives can be saved without invasive treatments or hospital visits.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world with nearly 2,000 Australians dying each year. Two out of every three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. Men over 40 are 1.5 times more likely than women to be diagnosed with melanoma and twice as likely to die from it.

It's never too late for prevention. The use of good sun protection will significantly cut your risk of skin cancer at any age and certainly all golfers need to consistently wear hats, appropriate clothing and apply sun cream when enjoying the sport.

The Longest Day of Golf was initiated by Andrew Buxton, Managing Director of MAB Corporation who had previously taken on the challenge of playing multiple rounds of golf with members of his club and raising funds for charity. In 2013, the idea was taken to the Cancer Council and the Longest Day became a formal fundraising event which this year involves every Australian State and Territory.

All funds raised are directed towards National research projects and/or early detection/treatment of melanoma skin cancers in each specific State/Territory where funds are raised.

Once registered, clubs or individual players can easily set up a fundraising webpage and email the link out to family, friends or colleagues seeking sponsorship for participating in the Longest Day of Golf.  

Click here to register for the Longest Day of Golf!

You can learn more about The Longest Day on Instagram and Facebook.

If you would like further information, please contact The Longest Day team at supportercare@cancervic.org.au or on 1300 65 65 85. 

Specific golf queries in relation to the 2020 Longest Day of Golf can be directed to David Greenhill via email at DavidGr@golf.org.au.