Golfers across the UK are being urged to lace up their shoes and make every swing count in 2026, with Prostate Cancer UK confirming the return of its flagship fundraising challenge, The Big Golf Race, in association with menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt.
Now a firmly established fixture on the British golfing calendar, the endurance event challenges players to take on 36, 72 or even 100 holes in a single day, raising vital funds for life-saving prostate cancer research. Since its launch in 2020, more than 10,000 golfers have helped generate over £6 million, accelerating progress in how the disease is diagnosed and treated.
Danny Willett backs Big Golf Race as 2026 challenge gets underway
Support from the professional game continues to drive the challenge forward, with former Masters champion Danny Willett lending his backing as the 2026 edition gets underway.
Willett, who this year marks a decade since his famous victory at Augusta, said:
“The Big Golf Race has gone from strength to strength and has really captured the imagination of golfers across the UK – and long may that continue. The challenge has made a massive impact for men affected by prostate cancer and their families and has helped to drive awareness among golfers and golf clubs across the country.
“We’ve had young golfers, professionals and golfers on YouTube picking up their clubs and saving lives with every swing, and I hope this year’s challenge is the biggest yet.
“2026 is a huge year for Prostate Cancer UK; I’ve heard about the first men now invited to take part in the £42 million TRANSFORM trial. The golf community’s support has been vital in supporting research like this and I hope more golfers will help change the game for men.”
Elite backing from the professional game has been building steadily, with former World No. 1 Lee Westwood also throwing his support behind The Big Golf Race last April, encouraging golfers to go the distance for Prostate Cancer UK
Official launch held at Aphrodite Hills Resort
The 2026 challenge was officially launched recently at the Aphrodite Hills Resort, where Prostate Cancer UK fundraisers and supporters gathered to mark the start of another ambitious year for the campaign. The launch brought together figures from sport and entertainment, including Gladiators star Jamie ‘Giant’ Bigg and broadcaster DJ Spoony, underlining the growing momentum behind golf’s biggest fundraising initiative.
Golf fundraising supporting life-saving prostate cancer research
With prostate cancer now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK – affecting one in eight men – funds raised through The Big Golf Race will continue to support ground-breaking research such as the £42 million TRANSFORM trial, the most ambitious prostate cancer screening study in 20 years, which began recruiting men last year.
As part of the 2026 challenge, golfers who raise more than £300 will be entered into a prize draw to win a once-in-a-lifetime golf trip back to the renowned Aphrodite Hills Resort, adding extra incentive for participants to push themselves on the course.
Big Golf Race challenge formats explained
Players can choose from three demanding formats:
- The Half Marathon – 36 holes in one day.
- The Marathon – 72 holes in one day.
- The Ultra Marathon – 100 holes or more in one day.
Each option offers a serious physical test, while contributing directly to research that could save thousands of lives each year.
Prostate Cancer UK makes it easy for golfers to get involved
To help golfers get started, Prostate Cancer UK will once again provide registered participants with a dedicated fundraising pack, including Titleist golf balls and tees, alongside digital tools to track progress, build teams and climb the leaderboard.
Seren Evans, Senior Head of Mass Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said:
“The Big Golf Race is about so much more than just golf; together, we are saving lives with every swing. By signing up to The Big Golf Race this year, you’ll get to have a great day out on the golf course with your mates, but you’ll also be doing something incredibly powerful that will have a big impact for men affected by prostate cancer and their families.
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and the only major cancer without a screening programme. The Big Golf Race is the golfing community’s chance to use their passion for the game to drive real change in men’s health in the UK.
“Over 10,000 golfers have helped make a difference so far, and every swing helps fund lifesaving prostate cancer research, raise awareness, and moves us closer to a future where men can find prostate cancer early enough to be cured. Join us and help change the game for men.”
Charles Tyrwhitt announced as sponsor for Big Golf Race 2026
Backing for the 2026 edition comes from Charles Tyrwhitt, which will sponsor Prostate Cancer UK’s work across golf this year. Participants will receive 20 per cent off store-wide, including the brand’s performance range, while the retailer will also enter its own Big Golf Race team and make an additional charitable donation.
How to sign up for the Big Golf Race 2026
Registration for The Big Golf Race 2026 is now open, with golfers encouraged to pick their distance, rally their playing partners and commit to going the distance for men’s health. More information and sign-up details can be found HERE .
Related: LIV Golf and UNHCR Renew Global Partnership for 2026
Big Golf Race 2026: key details you need to know
- UK golfers challenged to play 36, 72 or 100 holes in a day for prostate cancer research.
- Backed by Danny Willett and sponsored by Charles Tyrwhitt.
- Funds support life-saving research, including the landmark TRANSFORM trial.
