A golf course manager said playing the sport for more than 13 hours non-stop in searing heat was the hardest challenge he has ever faced.

Joe Paris, general manager at Rickmansworth Golf Course, completed four rounds of golf in 13.5 hours on June 9 as part of ‘the longest day in golf’.

He and friends Aaron Parfitt and Michael Buck took on the challenge on one of the hottest days of the year and Mr Paris continued playing after losing one of his most important clubs.

Mr Paris said: “I have done the London marathon before, which was hard, but doing 13 hours of golf is by far the hardest challenge that I have done.

“It was a lot tougher than I thought it was going to be.

“It was on one of the hottest days of the year and it didn’t help that on the 18th hole of the second round that my driver head came flying off so I completed the last two rounds with no driver.”

Joe did the challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, also hosting a fundraising golf day for over 100 players at the course on June 26, with prizes donated by Abu Dhabi Golf Club, The Grove, Royal Wimbledon and St Andrews.

He has already raised almost £4,200 – almost double his initial target of £2,500 – and now plans to run the London Marathon again in September.

He said: “Unfortunately, I think everyone has had a family member or friend get diagnosed with cancer at some point.

“Some of my family have been affected by it so I wanted to give something back but not just for my family but to support anyone that has suffered from cancer or been affected.”

Rickmansworth golf course is managed by leisure centre operator Everyone Active in partnership with Three Rivers District Council.

John Sewell, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “As a company, we’re passionate about supporting charities, so we’re extremely proud of Joe who has shown real team spirit and raised a staggering amount of money for Macmillan.

“Macmillan is Everyone Active’s chosen charity partner this year, so it’s great to see a team member go above and beyond for such a great cause.

“We’d like to thank everyone who took part and to all who made a donation.”

To sponsor Joe for his upcoming Marathon challenge click here.