Children's Cancer Research FUND
Families and Friends Who care

ERIC GILMORE: GOLF
Contra Costa Times
'Golf All 50' travels long distance for charity

ALAMO'S RICH ROLL first read about Chad Chastain's mind-boggling idea more than two months ago.

Chastain, the brother of soccer star Brandi Chastain, planned to play 50 rounds of golf in 50 states in 50 days with his friend, Robin Kleiner. All for a good cause: to raise money for the Children's Cancer Research Fund and to honor his late parents, Roger and Lark, as well as Bobby Whipple, a friend who died of cancer.

Chastain's idea sparked one of Roll's own. He offered to drive Chastain and Kleiner from course to course in his 38-foot, diesel powered RV and let them use that vehicle as their home away from home. Chastain accepted.

"My parents both died of cancer four years ago," said Roll, an avid golfer and a member of Alamo's Round Hill Country Club. "It just seemed like a unique opportunity to do something that probably hasn't been done before."

Chastain's "Golf All 50" adventure begins today in Alaska at Anchorage Golf Club. He flew Tuesday to Alaska and will fly today after his round to Portland, Ore., where Roll will be waiting with his RV.

"I kept telling him, 'I can't believe you're willing to do this for someone you've never met,'" Chastain said Tuesday. "Rich is the same kind of person I am. We mirror one another.

"All we want to do is help. We've been fortunate enough to live healthy lives. I don't think there are any words that can describe what Rich has offered to do."

Roll, 65, is retired and clearly the senior member of this golfing group. Chastain and Kleiner are 32. Ryan McKay, a friend of Chastain's who helped secure tee times and map out the adventure, is making the trip, too. He's 22.

"My wife (Gail) thinks I'm crazy," Roll said. "Three young kids and an old man."

Maybe not that crazy. Roll will do more than drive. He'll also get to play a few rounds at some exceptional courses.

The list of stops includes Oakland Hills Country Club near Detroit, Cog Hill Golf Club near Chicago and Pebble Beach Golf Links.

"I'm going to play some ... depending on how tired I am from driving," Roll said.

In the trip's first 10 days, Chastain is scheduled to play courses in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

Roll said he expects to drive around 11,500 miles during the trip. The 49th stop is Pebble Beach on Aug. 19. The final stop is Hawaii's Mauna Lani Resort on Aug. 20.

Tapping into many of Brandi's corporate connections, Chad has already raised around $40,000 for cancer research, he said. Individuals and businesses who want to contribute can contact him at golfall50@yahoo.com.

©2003 Contra Costa Times and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.

Children's Cancer Research Fund
11633 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 300
Los Angeles, California  90049
Phone: 310.207.5330  Fax: 310.207.5336
E-mail: ccrfkids@hotmail.com