Flag-lined streets honoring American veterans helped ushered in some special guests Monday morning, injured veterans who came out to support Dataw Island’s Assistant Golf Pro, Chris Fearn, in his one-man golf marathon.
Teeing off at 3:30 a.m., Fearn played an astounding 251 holes of golf before sun-down, all in the name of raising funds for veterans, through Tee It Up for the Troops, the beneficiary organization.
“It really is motivating to look over and see these guys here supporting me,” Fearn said. “I’m always so humbled for the opportunity to serve them in return for all they have done for us.”
Last year, Fearn was able to complete 227 holes, a feat that seemed unbeatable. Starting even earlier this year and playing with glow-in-the-dark balls and the lights shines by golf carts and flashlights, Fearn was determined to top his record. To keep it manageable pre-dawn, Fearn played holes No. 1 and No. 2 of the Morgan River repeatedly in the dark.
“I have to admit,” Fearn said, “Waking up at 2:45 a.m. and knowing that I’m about to play golf for 14 hours straight, with the first three-plus hours in the dark, is a little daunting, but it’s still a lot of fun since I know it’s for a great cause.”
Members and supporters pledged their choice of a per-hole amount or a flat amount, with the per-hole promises serving to encourage Fearn even more to complete as many holes as his body and daylight would allow. Each birdie and eagle he made also increased the take, so playing fast and accurately were both goals. His 251 holes included a remarkable 42 birdies and two eagles.
“Having members and veterans there cheering me on is really what keeps me going,” he said. “Although it takes me a few days to recover afterwards, it’s a small sacrifice that I’m happy to make in the make of Tee It Up for the Troops.”
“The entire event last year from my marathon, guest bartending, raffles, selling hats, and the event on Tuesday raised just over $70,000 – which is a huge record at Dataw. The goal is for us to beat that every year.”
The Dataw Island Golf Pro Shop is accepting donations through the end the week.
