Coach plays 72 holes of golf for charity

THE WOODLANDS, TX (KTRK) -- It was a marathon day on the links for a golf coach in The Woodlands. He played a grueling 72 holes Sunday morning, all in an effort to raise money and awareness for two worthy causes.

The sun was barely up, but Franci Betancourt was already on the green at The Woodlands Resort.

"I hope I can make it," he said.

Eighteen holes of golf would not be a problem, but Betancourt is aiming for much more than that, and says he'll need good fortune, which it looks like he has.

He sped through the morning on his golf cart, aiming to play a full 72 holes. Yes, he loves the game, but has a higher purpose.

This 69-year old golf coach played these back to back rounds to raise money for Southern Texas PGA Junior Golf, and his son's friend who has Down's Syndrome.

Betancourt lives on the third hole, and his wife greeted him with breakfast.

"This is what we call in Venezuela, an Arepa!"

It's sustenance for the journey, one he is happy to share, so he takes us inside his home -- to show us the players he's coached -- the inspiration for his fundraising.

"Life, friendship, you know just being so blessed to have met these nice people," said Betancourt.

So he golfs, golfs and golfs. This 69-year-old is playing more holes than that in one morning -- for a good cause.

"Golf has given me everything so the least I can do is give back to people what I have been given myself," he said.

For more information on the charity, CLICK HERE.