Alex Wright, the recently-appointed assistant club secretary at West Sussex Golf Club, turned a putting challenge into a record-breaking moment at the launch of the RIFE #DontMissChallenge.
At the first qualifier event held at American Golf New Malden in Surrey on April 17, Wright holed 37 putts in 60 seconds — two more than the existing world record of 35, held by YouTube sensations Dude Perfect. Although it wasn’t an official attempt, post-event checks confirmed Wright would have surpassed the record.
The achievement was an unexpected twist during the opening qualifier of the RIFE #DontMissChallenge — a nationwide competition where amateur golfers attempt to sink as many 6-foot putts as possible in 60 seconds, aiming to reach the Grand Final and take on a second world record – the longest putt ever made, with £50,000 up for grabs.
Reflecting on the moment, Wright, 29, said: “Amazing! Totally unexpected — I just went along to have some fun and to see what RIFE is all about. I stood on the stage and kind of blacked out for a bit, but somehow everything dropped!”
Wright, who also operates a social media channel @thesurreygolfer, first picked up a club at the age of six and plays off a scratch handicap. Speaking after the event, he joked about friendly rivalry with his younger brother. “It’s arguable who’s the better putter — but now that I’m the (unofficial) World Record holder, I think I just pip him!”
Tubes, from YouTube channel Golf Life, who will host the Grand Final, where qualifiers attempt to break the official world record, watched Wright’s feat unfold and said: “It was unbelievable to watch — every putt just dropped dead centre. If that’s what Alex can do without even trying for a record, who knows what could happen in the Grand Final with £50K on the line!”
The #RifeDontMissChallenge continues with two more qualifiers at the Crown Point in Leeds on May 22 and the Trafford Centre in Manchester on June 26. The top five performers at each event will earn their place in the Grand Final, where one incredible putt could land them £50,000.
For more information about Rife equipment, visit www.rifegolf.com.