FOR a man with dozens of Hampshire PGA titles to his name, two under par is normally nothing out of the ordinary - but even Rob Edwards had to admit that he was "amazed" to shoot the score when playing 205 holes in 17 hours for charity.

Teeing up last week at Lee-on-the-Solent where he has been head pro since 2002, Edwards staked his claim to be the fittest and fastest pro in the county by playing 11 rounds and seven holes in less than a day - all in aid of the club's chosen charities for 2007, Rowans Hospice and Cancer Research.

Starting at 4.30am the 40-year-old's best round was 66 and worst 71 as he stayed on the course until 9.30pm - lapping a seniors match twice in the process and hitting 786 strokes on the woodland par 69 course!

"I lost both my parents to cancer," explained Edwards, "so Cancer Research is close to my heart. I just thought what could I do to to generate some money and came up with playing as many holes as I could in a day."

The former Challenge Tour player joined a gym six weeks ago in preparation for the test of endurance, working hard on his cardiovascular fitness, and reported: "My training went well and I actually ran the first round in 66 minutes and set a fastest 18 of 61 minutes - although I must admit the latter was one of the three rounds when I hopped on and off the buggy carrying my clubs a bit.

"Mentally I felt fresh at the end of it all, although physically I was suffering from a few aches in my legs and ankles. I've just about recovered now.

"However, it was all worthwhile and it looks like I've raised about £1,850 which I'm delighted with."

Of his good scoring the Fareham resident, who covered more than 35 miles on foot, added: "It was amazing to score as well as I did. I'd like to think I can go well regardless of the speed of play but it did surprise me - I've played four rounds in a day as a junior but nothing like this before."

Bob Ashton acted as buggy driver and caddy, while other club members offered their support throughout the day, Edwards being very grateful for their support.

"Bob was a fantastic help and it was really encouraging to see so many familiar faces coming out to support me - it really was a team effort.

"Everyone was co-operative, particularly the players in the seniors match who let me through twice!"

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