RECORD GUIDELINES

Guinness World Record Guidelines

The following act as a guide to the specific considerations and undertakings, in addition to the general requirements, for any record attempt. They should be read and understood by all concerned – organisers, participants and witnesses – prior to the event.

Most golfers to complete a medal round in 24 hrs.

This record is for the greatest number of rounds of golf played in 24 hours by different golfers on a single course. There are two separate categories, with and without the use of carts.

1. 24 hours means 24 hours, including rest breaks. For example, if the event starts at 12 noon on Monday, it must finish at 12 noon on Tuesday, the next day.
2. The length of the 18 holes must be in excess of 6,000 yards.
3. Permission from the owner(s) of the course for the event to take place on their premises must be obtained in writing. A copy of this permission, on the club’s letterhead, should be submitted with the record claim.
4. The rules of the golf according to the Royal & Ancient Golf Club should be followed throughout the event. The challengers should play the entire course in order and not miss or repeat rounds.
5. Each player must play their own ball and hole out on each hole.
6. The ball must be at rest before the next stroke is made and played from its lie, unless a drop is allowed as per the rules of golf.
7. If a ball is hit into the rough/woodland/bushes, a provisional ball, as per the rules of golf, may be played.
8. The event is continuous. Rest breaks may be taken at any time during the attempt but the clock does not stop.
9. Each players card must be marked by a fellow player in their group. The card must be signed by the marker and the player and presented to the recorder at the completion of the round. A completed card, with scores, signed by the marker and the player will constitute that one round has been completed.
10. A log book should be maintained throughout the attempt.

Most Balls Hit Consecutively by Different Golfers

This record is for the most number of consecutive golf shots completed a minimum distance of 100 yards, by different golfers.

1. Standard equipment is to be used with clubs and balls conforming to the rules of the game.
2. The balls must all be hit into the target area to count towards the total. Any ball which lands in the target area and rolls out does not count. Conversely any ball that lands outside and rolls in does.
3. All balls must be teed up from within the teeing area which is five yards square. The golfer does not have to be stood within the area when striking the ball.
4. The number of participants is confirmed by individuals signing their own names once only on a form witnessed by two independent persons. No ‘ditto’ marks accepted.
5. The target area is as illustrated, basically an area 100 yards away from the teeing box, continuing from a 30 degree arc drawn from the centre of the front edge of the teeing box.
6. No participant may play a shot more than once.
7. The attempt must take place on a recognised golf course, or driving range.
8. If a ball does not reach the target area, the attempt is ended.
9. The teeing up of the balls can be performed by someone other than the golfers.
10. Water hazards may not feature in any part of the target area.

Longest golf shot caught

This record is for the greatest distance a golf ball can be hit and caught.

1. The golf ball must be one which is listed in the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Scotland booklet “Conforming Golf Balls” (most current edition)
2. The attempt must take place on a recognised golf course.
3. Permission from the owner(s) of the course for the event to take place on their premises must be obtained in writing. A copy of this permission, on the club’s letterhead, should be submitted with the record claim.
4. The attempt should be carried out on level ground or an area such that the point of landing is at the same height as where the ball was driven from. We appreciate that perfectly level ground is difficult to find, so a slope not exceeding 1:1000 is acceptable. Therefore, for example, a height difference of 10cm between golfer and the point of landing on a 90m drive is unacceptable, but acceptable on a 100m drive.
5. The ball is to be driven from a standard golf tee.
6. Any club may be used but must conform to competition rules.
7. The participant may use either, or both hands to catch the ball.
8. Gloves, or protection for the hands are not permitted.
9. The measurement is taken from the tee in a straight line to where the ball is caught.
10. Only successfully caught balls are eligible for measurement.
11. Any one of the approved judges may disqualify the drive.
12. At least two judges must be present during the attempt.
13. The name of the person(s) making the attempt should be given, along with the date and place.
14. Measurements should be made and witnessed by the independent judges using suitably accurate (professional standard if possible) equipment and all relevant dimensions must be given.
15. A surveyor's certificate confirming the distances and lie of the land must be submitted.

Fastest fourball medal round

This is the record for the fastest time for a fourball to complete 18 holes.

1. The length of the 18 holes must be in excess of 6,000 yards for attempts by an all-male or mixed team and for an all-female team, the length must exceed 5,600 yards.
2. The timing begins from the moment of the first stroke and ends with the ball sinking into the 18th hole. Three stopwatches should be used and a mean time taken from them all at the conclusion of the round.
3. The ball must be at rest before the next stroke is made and played from its lie, unless a drop is allowed as per the rules of golf.
4. It is not necessary to use the same ball throughout, therefore in team attempts, it is possible to tee off immediately the ball has been putted into the previous hole.
5. There is no limit to the number of players in the team.
6. If a ball is hit into the rough/woodland/bushes, a provisional ball, as per the rules of golf, may be played.

Fastest individual hole

This is the record for the fastest time for an individual to complete 1 hole.

1. The length of the hole must be in excess of 500 yards for the attempt.
2. The timing begins from the moment of the first stroke and ends with the ball sinking into the hole. Three stopwatches should be used and a mean time taken from them allat the conclusion of the round.
3. The ball must be at rest before the next stroke is made and played from its lie, unless a drop is allowed as per the rules of golf.
4. It is not necessary to use the same ball throughout the attempt.
5. The player must finish the hole with the same number of clubs they started with.
6. If a ball is hit into the rough/woodland/bushes, a provisional ball, as per the rules of golf, may be played.
   

Longest single hand drive carry

This record is for the greatest distance achieved driving a golf ball with one hand, measured where the ball lands.

1. The golf ball must be one which is listed in the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Scotland booklet “Conforming Golf Balls” (most current edition)
2. The attempt must take place on a recognised golf course.
3. The attempt should be carried out on level ground or an area such that the point of landing is at the same height as where the ball was driven from. We appreciate that perfectly level ground is difficult to find, so a slope not exceeding 1:1000 is acceptable. Therefore, for example, a height difference of 10cm between golfer and the point of landing on a 90m drive is unacceptable, but acceptable on a 100m drive.
4. The ball is to be driven from a standard golf tee.
5. Any club may be used but must conform to competition rules.
6. Only one hand may be used to grip the club
7. Either right or left hand may be used.
8. The measurement is taken from the tee in a straight line to where the ball lands.
9. Officials and ‘sighters’ are appointed by the organiser of the event. There must be at least two responsible adults present to act as officials and sufficient ‘sighters’ (at least six) to pinpoint the exact point of first contact. Note the decision of the sighters is final
10. Any one of the approved judges may disqualify the drive.
11. At least two judges must be present during the attempt.
12. The name of the person(s) making the attempt should be given, along with the date and place.
13. Measurements should be made and witnessed by the independent judges using suitably accurate (professional standard if possible) equipment and all relevant dimensions must be given.
14. A surveyor's certificate confirming the distances and lie of the land must be submitted.