Rotary’s attempt to bring a golfing world record title back to Scotland has turned into a spot of friendly rivalry after an English golf club announced it was taking a shot at the same record just 24 hours earlier.
Rotary clubs across Scotland recently announced their commitment to breaking the Guinness World Record for the most golfers on a single course to complete a round of golf within 24 hours. The attempt is due to take place at Dundonald Links Golf Course in Ayrshire, Scotland, on June 22 with all money going towards theRotary’s campaign to rid the world of Polio.
But organisers soon discovered that a separate effort organised by Greg Diddams Golf Academy in aid of Alzheimer’s Society was taking place in England the day before on June 21 at Upchurch River Valley in Sittingbourne, Kent. Both attempts hope to smash the current record of 623 golfers, set in China in 2007.
Rotarian Drew Hughes, who is organising the world record attempt in Scotland, said :"The most important thing is as much money as possible is raised for both causes, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit it has stirred a little of the old rivalry!
"The original record was set in St Andrews Bay in 2003 when 491 golfers, young and old, pro and amateur, each played a round of golf and we want to bring the record back to Scotland. We wish Alzheimers Society all the best of luck but also hope that if they do succeed, they have one of the shortest lived records in history!"
The Scots are already looking to gain the upper hand and have the full backing of Scottish golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, a polio survivor himself.
Mr Nicklaus, a winner of a record 18 major championships, contracted polio when he was 13 and although recovering still suffers from post polio syndrome and was plagued with sore joints throughout his career. His sister, who also contracted polio when she was 10, was not so lucky and was unable to walk for a week. She eventually recovered 95% of her movement.
He said: "Because of my experiences, I appreciate all efforts to put an end to this disease. I wish Rotarians in Scotland all the best in their efforts and I’m hopeful golfers throughout Scotland and beyond will support this cause with their participation."
Anyone interested in helping Scottish Rotary clubs break the record can visit the world record golf website or telephone Alec Blair on 07980 545784.
13/05/08
