A Whitchurch man gave a cycling challenge a new twist by playing the first hole of nine, Open Championship golf courses, on the way.
Richard Belcher, who works for De la rue portals in Overton and is a retained firefighter, cycled the 811-mile route to raise money for charity.
The 40-year-old, father-of-two, started his challenge on July 19, completing his golfing odyssey by the end of the month.
His mission is to raise £2000 which will be donated to the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research and Naomi House Children’s Hospice in Winchester.
Richard, started at Carnoustie golf course north of Dundee and worked his way south to finish up in Royal St. Georges in Kent.
Talking of his trip, Richard said: “The experience was an unforgettable one and one that I will cherish forever.
“The whole trip was absolutely amazing, cycling to and from all of the current Open Championship Golf Courses, and playing the first hole on each.”
The keen golfer, who has a handicap of eight and is a member of Test Valley golf club, Overton, was able to try his hand at holes that challenge the world's greatest players.
Richard tackled nine different courses over his trip, and scored a nine, first hole total, of 39.
At the home of golf, St Andrews in Scotland, Richard was able to score par. He said: “When I teed off all the stands and scoreboards were still up from The Open having just been played and was quite nerve-racking as about 80 people where watching and milling around, but I managed to get a par which I was very proud of.”
Starting at Carnoustie he cycled between St Andrews, Muirfield, Royal Troon, Turnberry, Royal Lytham and St Annes, Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal St. Georges.
On the road Richard's cycling adventure was supported by his three brothers who helped keep him company as well as the more arduous tasks, such as navigating London traffic and keeping his energy levels up.
He said: “My brothers did the hard work, they put the tent up, did the cooking and mended the 3 punctures I had on route. I just had the easy task of putting in the mileage. We had hills through Scotland and the Lake District which were particularly tough going as I was starting to get sore.
“I had a real buzz going through the centre of London weaving in and out of the traffic while trying to take in some land marks on the way.”
