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Teachers all set for attempt on record

DUBAI - Wellington International School-Dubai teachers Andrew Morley and Stephen Jenks, will attempt to set a new official world record — tee-off at 9pm on March 3.

Playing over Sharjah Golf & Shooting Clubs floodlit golf course the pair will play as many holes as possible, on foot, within a 24-hour period. The attempt has already been approved by the World Guinness Book of Records in association with the Emirates Golf Federation.

Morley said earlier in our report: “The idea came about around 9 months ago prompted by a personal desire of mine to set a world record. After research into unachieved golf related records and discussions with the Guinness Book of Records I approached Martin Duff, director of golf at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, and Chris Vallender of the EGF who gave us the green light. From there it seemed logical to use the attempt to raise money for charity.

“Shaikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Thani, who generously allowed us exclusive use of his course for the event, nominated Sharjah Charity International, an institution which he actively supports. SCI then nominated a project in Bangladesh where they are raising funds to build a new eye care centre which will help treat millions of Bangladeshi’s for easily curable eye defects which cause partial or complete blindness.”

A Press conference was held to announce the attempt — Most Golf Holes Played in 24 Hours supported by Sharjah Charity International in aid of an Eye Hospice in Bangladesh.

Excerpts from themedia anouncement:

Andrew Morley

Q. What made you choose Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club as a venue for the attempt?

A. It’s my favourite course, the one I play most often and obviously the floodlights allow for 24 hours of none stop golf. I first approached Director of Golf Martin Duff almost 1 year ago and after a couple of brief chats we agreed to take things forward in December last year. It’s fantastic to have such an opportunity open to myself and Stephen and we’re extremely grateful.

How did the idea come about?

The idea of a world record attempt in on my bucket list, something I’ve wanted to do for years. In January 2011 I scoured the Guinness Book of Records for any unattempted records related to golf. I fond this one, contacted the Guinness Book of Records who approved it and then as I mentioned earlier once we got the support of the club it then seemed logical to involve a charity. The occasion, we think, is a very worthwhile one…

Are there any stipulations demanded by the Guinness Book of World Records

There are numerous for example play must be in pairs, the rules of golf must be followed, the course must measure a minimum of 6,000 yards, we must walk the entire time, a minimum of 150 holes must be completed, the must be no breaks in time and of course it needs validating by an official body, that’s why the Emirates Golf Federation have become involved.

Shaikh Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Thani , MD, Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club:

It is very generous of you to give exclusive use of the golf course for the whole day – you must get a lot of such requests. May I ask what made this one different and stand out?

We do get a lot of requests but I have undertaken many ‘extreme’ tasks myself such as climbing Kilimanjaro, Base Camp and many others. I also have a bucket list and when Andrew mentioned it was on his and it was for charity I immediately warmed to the idea. I contacted Martin 15 minutes after I’d he’d emailed me about the idea to tell him to go ahead.”

sports@khaleejtimes.com