Pair to take on Mongolia in longest golf hole quest

AS IF golf were not hard enough for the average person‚ a former Durbanite is taking it to the extreme by walking and hitting across the vast‚ rugged terrain in Mongolia.

Ron Rutland‚ 42‚ a former banker and event planner from Durban‚ and Adam Rolston, from Hong Kong‚ will tee off on Thursday from the base camp of Khuiten Peak‚ the highest and most western point in Mongolia, in what is going to be the longest hole ever played.

This is another extreme adventure for Rutland who‚ from 2013 to 2015‚ cycled through Africa and Europe.

Rutland‚ who is the caddie‚ will be pulling a 120kg cart filled with water‚ food‚ 400 golf balls‚ clubs‚ sleeping bags and tents, over 82 days. They will cover about 1 850km.

“After major hip surgery last year‚ this is somewhat daunting,” Rutland – who was in Hong Kong as the pair made final preparations – said.

“It will be freezing in the beginning‚ very hot in the middle and we will play through the middle of the wet season‚ so some discomfort is guaranteed.”

Rolston will play about 14 000 shots in a world record attempt at the longest hole in golf.

Not only is it an adventure for the two friends as they head slowly east for the 18th green of the Mount Bogd Golf Club on the outskirts of the capital city Ulaanbaatar‚ but they will also be raising money for charity.

They hope to raise R1.2-million for Laureus Sport For Good‚ whose goal is to help young people overcome social challenges, and the South African Golf Development Board.

They will at times be joined by documentary maker Andrew King.

They plan to cover 25km a day to complete their expedition within the 90-day visa period.

To follow their adventure‚ go to www.thelongesthole.com or search @thelongesthole on Facebook and Twitter. – TimesLIVE