Dubai school teachers to attempt 24-hour golf record for charity

Dubai: Andrew Morley and Stephen Jenks, two British teachers from Wellington International School in Dubai, aim to beat the world record for the most rounds of golf in a 24-hour period this week.

The target of nine rounds and a total of 162 holes at an average of two hours 40 minutes a round will be attempted at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club's floodlit course from 9pm Saturday, March 3 through to 9pm on Sunday, March 4.

Proceeds raised will go towards the construction of an eyecare centre to be built in Bangladesh thanks to Sharjah Charity International.

Having first sought approval from the Guinness Book of Records, Morley's and Jenks' efforts will be timed and validated by the Emirates Golf Federation, in what's believed to be a first of its kind of golfing record attempt in the UAE.

No breaks

According to the stipulation of the Guiness Book of Records, Morley and Jenks will play in a pair, following the rules of golf, across a course measuring 6,000 yards (5486.4 metres). They will walk the entire time to complete a minimum of 150 holes with no breaks in time, with the course and game validated by an official body, which in this case is the EGF.

Morley, who plays off a seven handicap, said: "The idea of a world record attempt is on my bucket list and it's 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 found this one, contacted the Guinness Book of Records who approved it and then we approached the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club and the EGF who gave us the green light.

"From there it seemed logical to use the attempt to raise money for a charity. Shaikh Mohammad 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 an eyecare centre which will help millions of Bangladeshis for easily curable eye defects which cause partial or complete blindness."

Common disease

Tariq No'man of Sharjah Charity International said: "In Bangladesh eye infections are one of the most common diseases, and as little as Dh20 can fund one person to get an injection or treatment which can in turn save his or her sight, allowing people to lead a normal life and support their families. A fully-equipped eye hospice costs Dh250,000 to build. That would be a fantastic amount to achieve but it's optimistic."

Dh20 will be donated for every SMS sent to 6605 and a blind auction for corporate hole sponsorship, starting at Dh5,000 a bid will see the highest nine bidders awarded branding of a hole.

You can follow Morley and Jenks' efforts on Twitter and Facebook via ‘@The_SGSC' and ‘stephen andy record' respectively.

To make a donation, contact Sharjah Charity International on 06-566-4111, Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club on 06-548-7777 or email golfsales@golfad shootingshj.com.