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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Atlanta duo plays 900 holes for cancer

By Britt Yap
Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Craig Forney, left, and Bill Evans played at Kapolei Golf Course yesterday, their 50th course in 50 states in 50 days.

BRITT YAP | Associated Press

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KAPOLEI — Atlanta entrepreneur Bill Evans and golf pro Craig Forney headed for the 900th hole yesterday to end a odyssey that took them to 50 courses in 50 states in 50 days.

In an attempt at goodwill and good golf, the two friends were ending their quest for golfing fame at Kapolei Golf Course in the 50th state.

Evans and Forney began their cross-country trek in Vermont on June 9. The two men, along with a support and film crew of five, traveled by bus across 48 states, waking up early to tee off and ending each day with visits to cancer patients at local hospitals.

The pair said they've been wanting to do this for a couple of years, but couldn't get the 50 summer days off to travel and play together. As part of the "50 in 50" adventure, they've been trying to raise $1 million for cancer research — $20,000 in each state.

"It's just about giving back, that's why we did it," Evans said. "We didn't have someone close to us with cancer before the trip, but now we do."

Since the start of the long and winding trip, the two have been video blogging each day on You Tube, posting short diaries describing each days' adventure. Evans said they hope to put together a documentary or television series of their experience and donate the proceeds to their cancer awareness cause.

Aside from occasionally getting lost, they said the trip went rather smoothly.

"We planned so well, we really didn't have any major surprises," said Evans. "Luckily, we had great weather."

The plane rides to Alaska and Hawai'i were their biggest obstacle, after nearly missing the flight to O'ahu and having a difficult time getting their camera crew onto the Alaska flight.

The fast-paced schedule proved exhausting, as the two friends laugh when people call their journey a vacation.

"We wake up at 5 each morning, long bus rides, logistical issues, blogging everyday," said Evans. "Trying to see as many cancer patients as possible. It's been pretty arduous."

Evans, who funded the trip, said that corporate sponsors helped offset their expenses.

The two men are staying on O'ahu overnight after they play two rounds of golf, and plan to fly home to Atlanta and return to work.

"I challenge anybody to play golf for 50 days straight," Evans said. "It's like being on tour, especially when you've had only four hours of sleep. I would like to take a vacation after this."