Luke Willett speeds his way to fastest 9-hole record in Dubai
November 26, 2023 | by Justin Golba of AmateurGolf.com

Can you imagine playing a nine hole round of golf faster than it takes to watch an episode of Friends?
The pace of play is a common complaint from golfers everywhere, from the local municipal course to the PGA Tour.
However, if you are playing behind Luke Willett, the pace of play will not be a concern.
Willett, the reigning British SpeedGolf champion, set a new world record for an individual's fastest 9-hole round of golf after completing the nine holes in just 20 minutes and 12 seconds.
PGA Professional Willett, 39, completed the nine holes over a 2,709-yard composite layout of the Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, ahead of the DP World Tour Championship last week.
Buckinghamshire-based Willett battled through temperatures of 34° to etch his name into the Guinness World Records. He completed the course in nine over par, using just a 3-wood, 6-iron, and a pitching wedge, although his score did not count towards the record.
"I am absolutely thrilled to have set this Guinness World Record for the fastest 9-hole round of golf,” said Willett following the challenge. “It’s an incredible feeling to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport."
Willett added, I’m grateful for the opportunity provided by DP World. Their expertise in smart logistics is truly commendable, and I’m honored to be a part of this record-breaking journey with them.”
“Luke’s remarkable speed and skill are truly commendable, and we are delighted to have been a part of this historic moment," said Danny van Otterdijk, DP World’s Group Chief Communications Officer. "At DP World, we thrive on efficiency and excellence, and Luke’s record-breaking performance perfectly aligns with our values.
Otterdijk added, "We congratulate him on this extraordinary feat, especially considering the course and the temperature, and look forward to witnessing more milestones in his impressive speed golf career.”
According to Guinness World Records, an individual's record for the fastest 18-hole round of golf is 27 minutes and 9 seconds. This was achieved by James Carvill at Warrenpoint Golf Course in Northern Ireland in 1987. The course measured 6,154 yards.
However, if you are playing behind Luke Willett, the pace of play will not be a concern.
Willett, the reigning British SpeedGolf champion, set a new world record for an individual's fastest 9-hole round of golf after completing the nine holes in just 20 minutes and 12 seconds.
PGA Professional Willett, 39, completed the nine holes over a 2,709-yard composite layout of the Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, ahead of the DP World Tour Championship last week.
Buckinghamshire-based Willett battled through temperatures of 34° to etch his name into the Guinness World Records. He completed the course in nine over par, using just a 3-wood, 6-iron, and a pitching wedge, although his score did not count towards the record.
Willett added, I’m grateful for the opportunity provided by DP World. Their expertise in smart logistics is truly commendable, and I’m honored to be a part of this record-breaking journey with them.”
“Luke’s remarkable speed and skill are truly commendable, and we are delighted to have been a part of this historic moment," said Danny van Otterdijk, DP World’s Group Chief Communications Officer. "At DP World, we thrive on efficiency and excellence, and Luke’s record-breaking performance perfectly aligns with our values.
Otterdijk added, "We congratulate him on this extraordinary feat, especially considering the course and the temperature, and look forward to witnessing more milestones in his impressive speed golf career.”
According to Guinness World Records, an individual's record for the fastest 18-hole round of golf is 27 minutes and 9 seconds. This was achieved by James Carvill at Warrenpoint Golf Course in Northern Ireland in 1987. The course measured 6,154 yards.
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