Reigning British SpeedGolf champion Luke Willett has set a new world record for the fastest 9-hole round of golf by an individual after completing the requisite number of holes in just 20 minutes and 12 seconds.
PGA Professional Willett, 39, completed the impressive feat over a 2,709-yard composite layout of the Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, ahead of the DP World Tour Championship that gets underway on Thursday.
Buckinghamshire-based Willett battled through temperatures of 34° to etch his name into the Guinness World Records. He completed the course in nine over par, using just a 3-wood, 6-iron and a pitching wedge, although his score did not count towards the record.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have set this Guinness World Record for the fastest 9-hole round of golf,” said an exhausted Luke following the challenge “It’s an incredible feeling to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport, and I’m grateful for the opportunity provided by DP World. Their expertise in smart logistics is truly commendable, and I’m honoured to be a part of this record-breaking journey with them.”
Danny van Otterdijk, DP World’s Group Chief Communications Officer, said: “Luke’s remarkable speed and skill are truly commendable, and we are delighted to have been a part of this historic moment. At DP World, we thrive on efficiency and excellence, and Luke’s record-breaking performance perfectly aligns with our values. We congratulate him on this extraordinary feat, especially considering the course and the temperature, and look forward to witnessing more milestones in his impressive speed golf career.”
According to Guinness World Records the record for the fastest 18-hole round of golf by an individual is 27 minutes and 9 seconds. This was achieved by James Carvill at Warrenpoint Golf Course in Northern Ireland in 1987. The course measured 6,154 yards.