Before dawn broke over Greenacres Golf Club on 18 December, Nigel Oldham had already teed off.
At 5am, while most of us were still asleep, Nigel began his Longest Day Golf Challenge, committing to play 72 holes in one day to raise funds for people and whānau affected by cancer here in Nelson Tasman. By the end of the day, he wouldn’t just complete the challenge – he would set the benchmark nationally.
Nigel has since been confirmed as the top individual fundraiser across New Zealand, raising an extraordinary $6,108.
Nigel dedicated his Longest Day challenge to his mum, who passed away from cancer last year. For him, this wasn’t just about endurance or a love of golf – it was a deeply personal tribute.
As Nigel shared before the day:
“Every swing, every putt, every step across the green is a tribute to those fighting cancer, those we’ve lost, and those still hoping for a cure.”
That sentiment carried him through all 72 holes.
By mid-morning, Nigel was already well into the challenge. When Barb popped out to check on him around 10am, he had completed 27 holes and was still smiling.
The day was backed by great support, his mate Craig walking alongside him, plenty of food and water, Cancer Society sunscreen, a trusty golf towel, and a fresh supply of golf balls to keep him moving. It was a long, demanding day, both physically and mentally, but Nigel stayed focused on why he was there.
As the hours passed, so did his fundraising total. By the time he was nearing the final holes, Nigel had climbed to the top of the national leaderboard, a position he still proudly holds.
Funds raised through The Longest Day Golf Challenge help Cancer Society Nelson Tasman support around 600 individuals and families each year, and as a community-funded organisation, efforts like Nigel’s make a real and lasting impact close to home.
Nigel’s commitment, generosity, and determination are a powerful reminder of what one person can achieve when they put their heart into something meaningful.
We are incredibly proud of Nigel and grateful for the time, energy, and care he poured into this challenge. His achievement goes well beyond the scoreboard.
Thank you, Nigel, for honouring your mum in such a special way, and for helping ensure others in our community continue to receive support when they need it most.
