This Guy Just Broke The World Record For Fastest Golf Hole

Pace of play is one of golf’s biggest challenges. But not for one Steve Jeffs–a 31-year old gym teacher from the United Kingdom. To promote fitness, Jeffs set out to break the world record for fastest hole played by Phil Naylor who sped around a 500-yard par-5 in 1 minute 52 seconds in 2005.

Here is the first person account of how it went.

First record attempt, I hit what was an average drive – not too long and just left of the fairway but usable, I went off way too fast, overtaking the buggies and reaching the ball in 40 seconds, 5-but too quick, this led to a terrible contact on my second shot, a 3 wood from around 230 yards. My nightmares building up to the event were coming true! A discussion with my team of volunteers and a few stiff words from my wife Kelly, gave me the determination I needed to focus.A nervous rethink then Hit, Run, Repeat again.

After several initial runs, the perfect conditions of no wind and favourable light would soon dissipate. Final Attempt – The drive was a beautiful long straight drive, I held back on the first sprint and took an extra breath, stood over the second shot, connected and hit a shot to the perfect position, just left of the fairway; sat up in the rough around 40 yards out.

Last chance to hit a decent pitch – I did! It landed in front of the green and rolled out to 5 feet past the pin. A simple uphill putt was left, centimetres from the hole, tap in. Done!

There was a moment of suspense, both the timers confirmed 1:50.6 ! (1 minute 50 seconds). Bewildered and relieved, I collapsed in a heap followed by a scrum of celebratory supporters! I now await ratification from Guinness World Records, which I am led to believe can take some time.I hope those watching have a think about Speedgolf and try it one day and maybe a few people who see the photos and videos online might do the same; it’s a great sport , fantastic for fitness and a lot of FUN!

Nice. But what’s not apparent is the minimum hole distance to qualify.