Alistair tees off on challenge of a lifetime

Alistair Collin is aiming to raise £20,000 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

In 2013, he underwent surgery for an enlarged aorta – the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. However, in 2014, exactly a year after his operation, he had a heart attack.

The 58-year-old, a member of the Close House golf club near Heddon-on-the-Wall, has worked as a scorer at a number of European Tour golf tournaments.

He has embarked on a challenge to play the Golf Monthly Top 100 golf courses in the UK and Ireland over the next two years.

Alistair said: “I wanted to give something back as I have felt very fortunate to have survived, considering how serious my heart condition was.

“I was a chartered civil engineer, but had to retire aged 53 as I couldn’t work full-time and really struggled after my heart attack.

“I have spent the years since then building my strength back up and I’m pleased to say that I’m feeling as good as I have for a number of years.

“That’s why I’ve decided to take on a challenge that’s bold, but at the same time enjoyable. I’ve played golf for 45 years so the initial idea was quite straightforward, but the practical issues have quickly become apparent.”

He started the Top 100 Heart Challenge at Close House earlier this month and plans to complete it in November 2021.

Half of the courses are located in England, 24 in Scotland, 22 in Ireland and four in Wales.

The course furthest north from Alistair’s home is Royal Dornoch, which is 323 miles away, Trevose furthest south is 463 miles away and Tralee is 535 miles to the west. He will need to hit the ball over 375 miles and walk over 550 miles round all the courses.

For every course he completes, he will donate a minimum of £50 of his own money to the BHF on top of any other money raised.

To make a donation to Alistair, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alistaircollintop100challenge