England’s Luke Willett, a 39-year-old PGA professional, has smashed records in golf this week, completing nine holes in an astonishing 20 minutes and 12 seconds at the Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.
Armed with just a three-wood, six-iron, and pitching wedge, Willett’s lightning pace, despite scorching 34-degree temperatures, secured him the Guinness World Record for the fastest nine holes ever played solo.
“Setting this record is incredibly thrilling,” Willett expressed following Sunday’s challenge ahead of the DP World Tour Championship set to tee off at the Jumeirah club on Thursday. “Pushing the limits in this sport is an amazing feeling, and I’m grateful to DP World for this opportunity.”
This isn’t Willett’s first venture into speed golf. He previously embarked on a fundraising effort for the Golf Foundation, showcasing rapid rounds at all 14 British Open courses and running a marathon in each corresponding town.
Remarkably, his swift play doesn’t compromise quality; at Muirfield in Scotland, he completed 18 holes in just 42 minutes, shooting a respectable 78.
For Willett, less thinking time on the course proves beneficial: “I used to get overwhelmed by the course layout, but with the faster pace, there’s less room for hesitation. It’s what I call ‘positive golf’—seeing my target and hitting it without second-guessing.”
