Henley is an 11-year-old boy from Orange, NSW with a big passion for golf.
Starting with plastic golf clubs, he quickly fell in love with golf after tagging along with his dad to play.
Henley says that he loves the competitiveness of golf, but he also loves having a bad round as it gives him something to learn from.
“When you have a bad round, you learn from it and practice a lot more,” Henley said.
This December, Henley will take his passion for golf even further, as he takes on Cancer Council’s The Longest Day.
Taking on 72 holes for a cause close to home
The Longest Day is a fundraiser run by the Cancer Council, where golfers can take on 72 holes of golf in a day while fundraising for cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support services.
This isn’t Henley’s first Longest Day. He first took on the challenge at eight years old where he completed three rounds of golf in a day.
“I did it when I was eight years old and I did three rounds of golf and I walked it all. I think I’m going to try and walk all of it,” Henley said.
This time around, he’s set himself a fundraising target of $10,000 and plans to walk the entire 72 holes, which he anticipates will take him 14 hours to complete.
“It would be very amazing to reach $10,000. I think it’s very cool to raise money for other people.”
His reason for competing is personal: “My nan and pop have had cancer, and I know how hard it is for some people. I just wanted to raise awareness for those people.”
Turning his passion into something bigger
Earlier this year, Henley started his own golf apparel brand HM Golf, with his parents helping him to bring the idea to life.
To help him reach his fundraising target, Henley has designed a special Longest Day polo, with all proceeds going to Cancer Council.
Henley’s mum Karina was initially surprised by her son’s idea, but proud to see him using his passion for golf to support others.
“He came to us and asked if he could do a polo to raise money. We were taken aback a bit, but very proud that he’s got the initiative to raise money and awareness for a charity that’s close to our hearts,” Karina said.
Encouraging the next generation
A big part of Henley’s original idea was about encouraging other junior golfers and their families to take part in the Longest Day.
“Just have a go. You don’t have to shoot the best score you ever have. It’s just a fun day,” Henley said.
Despite the competitive nature of golf, Henley says The Longest Day is all about having fun while raising money for a great cause.
Inspired by Henley’s
