GOLFER Alistair Hunter helped raise �86,000 for the Willow Foundation, as he and three friends played the six different English courses that have hosted The Open Championship – in just one day. Alistair, who completed Princes in Sandwich, Kent; Royal St G

GOLFER Alistair Hunter helped raise �86,000 for the Willow Foundation, as he and three friends played the six different English courses that have hosted The Open Championship - in just one day.

Alistair, who completed Princes in Sandwich, Kent; Royal St George's in Sandwich; Royal Cinque Ports in Deal; Royal Liverpool in Hoylake; Royal Birkdale in Southport; and Royal Lytham and St Anne's, without the use of a buggy or caddy, told the Welwyn & Hatfield Times at first he "didn't know" if they were going to make it.

"It took two years of planning," the Potters Bar man said.

"We limited ourselves for two hours, 10 minutes per course, which was roughly seven-and-a-half minutes a hole.

"We got to Princes, in Sandwich, at 4am, but it was too dark to tee off!

"It was a big challenge but we did it - just!"

Mr Hunter, 44, who was shipped from course to course via twin-engined helicopter, added overall the day was "fantastic".

"We had some great golfing moments, but for me, the best part was the helicopter trip.

"Now I would love to go back and play some of the courses again - especially St George's, that was my favourite."

Also completing the challenge were Paul White, Justin Jeffery and Mike Balfour.

Bob Wilson, co-founder of the Old Hatfield-based charity, said: "This is an amazing challenge demanding organisation, fitness, concentration and supreme energy from four men with extraordinary 'drive'!"

* Six-time Major winner Nick Faldo said: "Playing six courses in a single day - especially Open venues of this quality - is a real challenge and I'm full of admiration for the guys for taking this on for such as worthy cause.