The Grove's Assistant Pro Rowlands chases midnight sun in world record golf marathon attempt

Isaac Rowlands, an Assistant Pro at The Grove, will be temporarily leaving behind his day job at one of the UK's premier hotel and golf resorts to seek a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the world's longest golf marathon next year.

Raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, Isaac will be taking advantage of the midnight sun in Norway as he attempts to play for a bone-aching 32 consecutive hours at the stunning Lofoten Links course nestled in the breathtaking archipelagos and mountains of the Arctic Circle.

The 25-year-old Cambridge native and former captain of the Cambridgeshire County Golf team will attempt the record at the world's northernmost links course and hopes to draw more attention to the incredible support and help provided by Macmillan.

The challenge and cause is particularly meaningful to Isaac, who endured a lymphoma scare when he was 19 and underwent two operations before receiving the all-clear.

"Macmillan were so helpful, and all of the staff were really lovely. A close friend has also just recently undergone a cancer operation and said the same thing, so I would want others in the same situation to continue to get this level of support," he said.

“It will be quite the challenge to play for that long, but I couldn't wish for a more inspiring venue to do it, and I'd like to thank the people at Lofoten Links for their support in making this happen," added Isaac, no stranger to spectacular coastal destinations having earlier in his career worked at The Machrie on the Isle of Islay on Scotland's rugged west coast.

He moved to The Grove in 2022 as an operational intern before taking his PGA studies and joining the pro team in October last year.

Joel Westwell, Director of Golf at The Grove, said: "We're very proud at The Grove to be supporting Isaac, while many of us are envious of him playing in such an incredible venue! Although we love playing golf this is a seriously physical challenge, and we will be supporting him through training programmes to ensure he's in the best shape possible. I would urge everyone to give generously for such an amazing cause."

Last year, The Grove celebrated its 20th anniversary, securing its reputation as one of the best golf and lifestyle resorts in the UK, renowned for its quality guest experience, exceptional service, inclusivity, and an 'open-to-all' attitude.

To find out more about Isaac's phenomenal charity fundraiser, click here. For more information on The Grove, visit www.thegrove.co.uk