When floating the idea of a sponsored walk Jon Newham, Mapperley Golf Club Head Professional, suggested a ‘challenge within a challenge’ – and the idea of a 24hr overnight walk was born.  Throw into that mix a round of golf and that we would have to carry our golf clubs, drinks and some refreshments, and a challenge was born.

Jon Newham, Cameron Steedman & Bally Hayer set off from Mapperley Golf Club at 6am in the morning with a rough plan of walking the 50 miles or so in around 24 hours.

Just after we’d set off we were approached, near Mellish Rugby Club, and offered a lift to Calverton by a kind man, – maybe later…maybe. 

The route to Rufford Park Golf & Country Club took just over 7 hours with 2 breaks for refreshments.  On the way we met up with members of Mapperley GC, Jane Baxter & Geoff Tordoff…thank you for taking the time and giving us words of encouragement.

Thankfully, the weather held up and it was a beautiful summers day.

The route was mainly via public footpaths and eventually after 20 miles or so we got to Rufford.

Jon also found a nice spot for a rest.

Following a spot of lunch – we ate a lot of food on the day, we set off for 18 holes of golf round the rather delightful Rufford golf course.

Given that we’d walked 26 miles we played quite well

We made it to Farnsfield just in time to get to the pub before it closed. 

More refreshments and a time to gather one’s wits before the trudge back home on aching feet.

Although we’d been walking for 20 hours we got a second wind after Farnsfield but, unfortunately just as we reached Dorket Head and started walking on road rather than grass, the pain increased quite significantly.  

We weren’t so much walking as hobbling – but we persevered and completed the walk back to Mapperley Golf Club, arriving at 3.57am.

Jon Newham, Cameron Steedman & Bally Hayer successfully completed the walk from Mapperley Golf Club to Rufford Golf Club and back to Mapperley within the 24 hours they set as a target – the exact details:

  • Total Miles Walked – 47.4
  • Total Steps Taken – 97,407
  • Time Taken – 21 Hrs 57 Mins
  • Elevation Loss / Gain – 2,000ft / 2,000ft

 

The endeavor was undertaken with the help of James Thompson, PGA Professional & Director of Golf at Rufford Park Golf & Country Club, and the members of Mapperley Golf Club. 

There are many ‘Thank You’s’ for those who supported the 24hr walk but some should be singled out:

  • Jane Baxter, Rachel & Barry Steedman
  • Geoff Tordoff
  • Simon Hunt
  • Ben Ward
  • Neil Dewing and Dermot Booth

Thank You