A GOLF fanatic spent a gruelling day on the course yesterday to boost funds for a college’s floodlight appeal.

Dave Stockley, 45, raised £1,100 for Fairfield Farm’s floodlight appeal by playing 12 solid hours of golf at Westbury Golf Club.

The ex-assistant golf pro teed off at 7am and was cheered on by students from the Dilton Marsh college as he set off on his second round, before making his final putt at 7pm.

Mr Stockley, whose son George attends the college, said: “It was a brilliant day but very draining towards the end.

“For the final nine holes I was joined by my good friend Ross Privett, dad Carl and the club’s junior captain, Tony Adams, who all spurred me on to the finish line, which was much needed.

“Playing off a handicap of six, I hit a 75 for the first 18 holes, 74 for the second 18 and then took it easy for the third round before managing par for the final nine holes.

“I’m playing the Ferndown Open in Dorset on Sunday so it was a good warm-up for that event - thankfully I'm not aching too badly today."

The former bricklayer started playing golf after badly injuring his back on a job and now teaches soft play golf at schools across Wiltshire including The Grove, Westbury Leigh and St John’s in Warminster, leading pupils through a number of fun golf-based games.

He aimed to raise £640 with his golf-a-thon £10 per hole, and was delighted to smash his target.

“I would like to thank everyone who kindly donated, and to the greenkeeper Rob Crook for making sure the course was in good nick before I teed off,” he added.

“There is a brilliant multi-use games area at Fairfield Farm but students can’t use it to its full potential in the winter as it gets dark, so floodlights will benefit them massively.

“When I saw the smiles on the students’ faces as they watched me tee off on the second round, it gave me that extra momentum to finish.”

The college needs to raise around £10,000 to install floodlights. If you would like to help, call 01373 823028.