RICHMOND TWP., Pa. – Golfers are putting their skills and endurance to the test all for a good cause in Berks County.<\/p>\n
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay has more from Richmond Township with how a dawn-to-dusk golf marathon is benefiting a local non-profit.<\/p>\n
Eighteen holes isn\u2019t the goal of this group at Moselem Springs Golf Club in Richmond Township.<\/p>\n
A whopping 100 is what they\u2019re swinging for, no matter how long it takes.<\/p>\n
The Summer Solstice 100-hole Golf Marathon is an inaugural event by First Tee Lehigh Valley and Berks nonprofit.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are a youth-focused organization where we are developing youth character through the game of golf,\u201d said its executive director, Luke Smith.<\/p>\n
The group is shooting for raising $25,000 as its programs kick off this week with schools out for summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re a golfer, this is definitely a test of character development today. It\u2019s all in the name of charity. This is a fundraiser for us,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n
Working with 7 to 15 year old athletes, coaches teach them core values that translate to both life and golf.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we all know that if you want something in life and it\u2019s important to you, you have to work at it. Perseverance, hard work, and dedication are all very important in that,\u201d said Brian Farrell, a board chairman with the nonprofit.<\/p>\n
Once in the program herself, Abby McCaffery is now a coach with the organization.<\/p>\n
She says it goes beyond learning just the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow to be a good sportsman, how to have confidence in yourself and in your own game, and you know that\u2019s important because in life you\u2019re not losing those skills so it\u2019s important to have those to be both a good golfer and a good human being,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n