A Cure in Sight, a non-profit to raise awareness of ocular melanoma and Speedgolf International teamed up to hold the first Ultra Speed Golf Challenge in Napa, California on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Many photos are below.

The event took place at the Napa Golf Course. Eight competitors completed a minimum of 100 holes and averaged 8 rounds of golf each. The eight golfers combined for 1,156 holes of golf, an average of 144.5. The group of 8 helped raise an estimated $30,000 for the cause.

Ultra marathon competitor Karl Meltzer of Utah shattered a world record by playing 229 holes of golf in 12 hours on foot. Meltzer, sponsored by Red Bull, ran well over 55 miles during the course of play. Meltzer said he will be calling on the golf community to hold a 24 hour speed golf challenge. Meltzer had the support of his wife Cheryl during the event and friend Eric. Upon breaking the record, he cracked open a Sierra Nevada beer. He jogged and walked the record breaking holes. “I don’t want to break the record too much, I want to be able to break it again,” said Meltzer. Meltzer, with 5 minutes remaining on the clock, didn’t attempt the next hole, a par 5. He threw his arms in the air to celebrate. Meltzer recently ran a 50K, and mostly noticed how his hands were cramping from carrying golf clubs for 55 miles.

Gretchen Johnson, the only female in the group, finished second with 171 holes. Johnson currently lives in Amsterdam while working for Nike. She was joined by her boyfriend Matt, who cheered her on throughout the day. Johnson carries a 2 handicap and is a 10 time marathoner.

Scott Dawley, of Texas, finished with 117. Dawley and Johnson will be featured on Golf Channel’s upcoming Altered Course show, premiering in June. Dawley is a former college and professional golfer and owner of LInksrun.com. Dawley lives in Houston with his wife and three children.

Wally English, of Berkeley, plays speedgolf to be more creative on the golf course. He has played in the last three speedgolf championships at Bandon Dunes in Oregon. English smiled his way through 102 holes with his wife and daughter nearby.

Drew Faust, an Information Architect at Nike, was aiming for 54 holes of golf, and nearly doubled his expectations with 100.

Larry Levinson, of Ohio, powered through 8 rounds of golf (144 holes) with his wife supporting his efforts.

Stan Dittman, a dentist in Napa, had a steady stream of supporters all day to finish with an impressive 150 holes. A former marathoner, this was Dittman’s first speedgolf event. Dittman joked that he signed up to play golf all day, but didn’t realize running was involved. He finished with the 3rd highest number of holes played.

Tim Scott, a founding partner of Speedgolf International, finished with 144 holes and was often seen with his wife Lori running alongside of him. Scott was diagnosed with ocular melanoma in April 2012. He was runner up in the 2012 World Speedgolf Championships and has won several tournaments.

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About Ocular Melanoma

Ocular melanoma is a rare eye cancer that develops in the melanocytes of the eye’s choroid, iris or ciliary body. While the initial tumor is nearly always treatable, about 50% of patients will develop fatal metastases.

Currently, there is no cure for metastatic ocular melanoma. However, promising evidence exists that early detection, genetic analysis, targeted treatment, and integrative therapy may guarantee better results.

About Us

A Cure In Sight™, a non-profit organization founded by ocular melanoma survivor and activist Melody Kling, is dedicated to raising ocular melanoma awareness and to helping those with ocular melanoma find and pay for the treatments that they need.A Cure In Sight™ generates funds through the sale of Ocular melanoma awareness products, by accepting donations of money, travel vouchers/frequent flyer miles, time share stays, hotel vouchers, gift cards, and gas cards to help patients find and pay for necessary treatments otherwise outside of their medical budget. An OM diagnosis does not have to mean financial crisis…when there is A Cure In Sight™.

Our Mission Statement

A Cure In Sight was founded to provide ocular melanoma awareness, support, education and funding for life saving treatments for those who suffer from ocular melanoma while supporting the whole family. Our Financial Status

A Cure In Sight™ is a registered non-profit who’s mission is to provide the highest level of patient eduction in a kind and clear content while offering support for the newly diagnosed and their caregivers. Through our outreach, partnerships, website and social media, ACIS strives to reach the ocular melanoma community and help bridge the gap between patients, physicians and insurance providers. ACIS strives to create new programs that are patient centered to improve the quality of life while battling ocular melanoma.

Our Disclaimer

The organization known as “A Cure In Sight™” is completely independent of any other organization, and not affiliated with any other websites, businesses, doctors or hospitals. Web links, web pages and website posts are for informational purposes only and do not represent a recommendation and/or endorsement byA Cure In Sight™ or their Board of Directors, Staff or Volunteers.

A Cure In Sight™ does not guarantee and/or warrant the care that may be performed by any of the providers that may referred to, linked to, or written about. You should satisfy yourself in advance that his/her/their qualifications and experience are acceptable for your needs should you choose to seek treatment or affiliate with them. This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice and is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

Ultra SpeedGolf Challenge 2015

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