For most people who enjoy golf, playing 18 holes is usually enough for one day. However, golf photographer Patrick Koenig is not like most people.
At the beginning of this year, Koenig set out on a mission to break the world record for the most 18-hole golf courses played in one year. The previous record stood at 449 courses.
On October 17, Koenig unofficially broke the record when he played his 450th course at Omni Interlocken in Broomfield, Colorado.
As of Wednesday, the record is still unofficial, as Guinness World Records needs to review all the evidence. According to their website, the review process could take up to 12 weeks.
But Koenig is not finished yet. With about a month and a half left in 2023, he hopes to reach 500 golf courses, making his new world record even more unbreakable.
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Previous world record for 18-hole golf course
Koenig’s achievement is the first time the record has been broken in over a decade.
From April 2008 through March 2009, Jonathan and Cathie Weaver set the previous record by playing 449 18-hole courses in 365 days. According to the official Guinness World Records website, the couple averaged 8.6 golf courses per week.
In order to break the record in just 287 days, Koenig averaged about 11 courses per week and 1.6 courses per day. To reach 500, the photographer will need to have averaged 9.6 courses per week and about 1.4 courses per day.
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The RGV Tour 2.0
Koenig’s record attempt is part of what he calls The RGV Tour 2.0 — Recreational Golf Vehicle. The Seattle native started The RGV Tour (1.0) after quitting his day job to travel across the country and play golf in every state in 2018.
As part of the tour, Koenig aims to raise money for the nonprofit organization First Tee, which strives to make golf affordable and accessible to all kids. The organization also helps children develop character strengths and important life skills through the game. The first RGV Tour raised $20,000 for the nonprofit five years ago.
In RGV Tour 2.0, the goal shifted to breaking the record for 18-hole courses played in one year. Once again, Koenig is raising money for First Tee during his travels. So far, he has raised over $31,000, according to his partner Golf GameBook’s website.
Golf GameBook is an app that allows users to track their golf scores and the scores of others. According to Koenig’s profile, his average score in a round of 18 holes this year is 77.3, with a personal best score of 67.
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Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
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