To play 2001 golf holes in seven days (that’s 286 holes or 16 rounds per day), raise $250,000 and take the world record: that’s the aim of Brisbane businessman, philanthropist and Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland (RMHC SEQ) supporter Mick McLoughlin. And those that know Mick well, know that this crazy idea will be achieved.
After Covid-19 brought the usual fundraising efforts of RMHC SEQ to a halt, Board member and huge supporter Mick McLoughlin was inspired to fill the coffers by pushing himself – and from November 21 to 27 this year, this is exactly what he’ll do. After almost 12 months of training and preparation, he will take a tilt at the world record of playing the greatest number of golf holes in seven days (cart assisted).
Today at Golf Central Mick marked the official countdown to his challenge. He was supported by AFL and Brisbane Lions great, Daniel Merrett, NRL and Broncos legend, Sam Thiaday and star Australian Netball player, Beryl Friday, who all had a hit with Mick. IMAGERY HERE: https://wwwdropbox.com/s/uqi6bhy86fh2ubx/Video%2021-6-21%2C%208%2027%2039%20pm.mov?dl=0
Mick started serious training in December last year, and is now hitting 1,000 balls a day at Golf Central, which has made him an ambassador and is supporting his quest. He has a coach in Quinten How to refine his skills, he works out to build his core and shoulders and has a personal trainer. Mick’s 58 years of age and has never shied away from a challenge.
“The world title is one challenge, raising $250,000 for RMHC SEQ is the other. They go together, and I’m calling on Queensland businesses and individuals who can, to dig deep and come on board. Supporters can donate as little or as much, or they can bid to come out on the course during the challenge, buy a ball and more.”
HOW IT CAME ABOUT: “I was sitting in a RMHC SEQ Board meeting in late 2020 listening to how difficult Covid-19 was making operations and fundraising. Our usual fundraising events weren’t an option, and the biggest event of the year – the annual ball – was cancelled. So, I made myself think outside the square, and decided to challenge myself as an individual and make the charity the beneficiary. I just needed the idea!”
“Then a little later, I was in Tenterfield in November 2020 and saw memorabilia on the wall of a golfer from that area, who created a World Record of 1800 golf holes in seven days (cart assisted), and thought, that’s it, that’s me. I investigated the record further and found it had been broken by a golfer from Idaho, Geno Bonnalli, who holds the current record of 2000 holes. I decided then and there that’s my idea, I’m going to go for the world record and raise money along the way.”
“I called the current record holder Geno Bonnelli and he said, ‘while I don’t want to lose my world record title, if I have to, then I want to lose it to you in raising funds for Ronald McDonald House,’ which made me even more determined.”
Geno set the record at the Lewiston Country Club in Idaho from 27 June to 3 July 2011. He averaged 71.802 per round on a par 72 course with a round low for the week of 64 which included 9 birdies and eagles In a message to Mick for the challenge launch, he said if Mick took the title he would be back to challenge again!
