PolioPlus

Scottish golfers aim to set world record, raise funds for PolioPlus
By Jennifer Atkin
Rotary International News - 29 April 2008

Rotarians in District 1230 (Scotland) are out to break a world record with a golf fundraiser that could bring in more than US$50,000 to support the global effort to eradicate polio.

At the 22 June event in Ayrshire, organizers hope to beat the record for the most golfers to complete a round of the game on a single course in 24 hours. The current record, set in China in 2007, is 623 players; the previous record of 491 was set at St Andrews Bay, Scotland, in 2003.

“It’s time to bring the record back to Scotland,” says District Governor Drew Hughes. “We gave the world the game of golf, so where better to hold the world record?”

All 56 clubs in District 1230 are urged to send teams, and members of the public are invited to play. Proceeds will benefit PolioPlus, so participants are encouraged to raise at least £50 ($100) and solicit sponsorships. If organizers reach their goal of 624 golfers, they will generate more than $50,000 for the polio eradication effort.

The fundraiser will take place at the championship-caliber, traditional-style Dundonald Links, cited as one of the best new courses in the world by the Robb Report in 2004.

The first tee time is set for 03:30, and the first holes will be illuminated by floodlights to enable early-bird golfers to see their way through. Organizers expect that 160 tee times will occur at six-minute intervals throughout the near-midsummer day, which will offer over 18 hours of sunlight.

Speed of play will be the key to success, Hughes says. Players are encouraged to treat the game as a “five-club challenge,” in which golfers limit themselves to four clubs and a putter, and to focus on working together to break the record and have fun rather than on achieving a top individual score.

“This is an excellent way of raising funds to eradicate polio,” says Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Robert S. Scott, noting that he learned to play golf in Scotland.

“The world record would be a bonus, but the main reason for the event is to raise funds for PolioPlus,” Hughes emphasizes.

Learn more about the Dundonald Links fundraiser.