Nigerian-American golfer Kelechi Ezihie played golf for 36 consecutive hours with the intention of breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest game of golf.
The 27-year-old Inwood resident started his record attempt on Sunday, hitting the course at Huntington Crescent Club at 6 p.m. in a bold move to break the world record by playing nonstop for 24 hours.
But halfway through his attempt on Monday, Ezihie was told a Norwegian man had just completed an attempt that went on for 32 hours. Thus, Ezihie extended his attempt and ended up finishing around 6 a.m. on Tuesday after 36 hours of golf.
RELATED STORIES
Throughout his record attempt, his friends were there to keep him going as he swung for history amid fluctuating weather conditions. He was allowed five-minute breaks each hour but didn’t show any signs of fatigue about 19 hours into his attempt, CBS reported.
“I feel great. This is for a good cause, so I feel great,” Ezihie, who aims to diversify golf, said to the platform on Monday. “This is a test to my energy to see how far I can go.”
Guinness World Records will now review video evidence to find out if he satisfies all the criteria for the record. “We have to make sure he’s finishing the rounds in the right amount of time, that he is taking breaks in the allotted time that witnesses are logging,” said Shartia Ducksworth, of Golf Insights.
Ezihie’s journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was born as the third of eight siblings. His early years were marked by separation from his parents, who moved to the United States when Ezihie was just a year old, leaving him and his siblings in the care of their grandmother and uncle.
After several visa rejections, Ezihie and his siblings were finally granted visas in 2008, allowing them to reunite with their parents in the United States. On December 6, 2008, which also happened to be his birthday, Ezihie stepped onto American soil for the first time as an 11-year-old.
Adapting to life in America came with its own set of challenges, including learning English and navigating a new cultural landscape. Ezihie attended a private Christian school, where he developed a strong faith and relationship with God. However, transitioning to a public high school exposed him to the harsh realities of racism and an identity crisis. Despite these challenges, he found solace and inspiration in an unexpected place – the golf course.
Ezihie’s first job at a country club introduced him to the game of golf. Initially viewing it as a sport for the wealthy, he soon discovered a deep passion for the game. The country club allowed employees to play on their days off, and Ezihie took full advantage of this opportunity. His competitive spirit drove him to improve his skills, and he often practiced for hours.
After moving to Indiana for work, Ezihie found a group of friends who shared his love for golf. They played almost every day, and his passion for the sport grew stronger with each game. Upon returning to New York, Ezihie noticed a lack of black golfers at events. This observation inspired him to create Golf Insights, a grassroots organization dedicated to educating and inspiring new golfers. Through this platform, he hosts corporate events and training sessions, providing a welcoming environment for beginners and those seeking to improve their skills.
Despite facing adversity, including racist remarks and stereotypes, he remains committed to showcasing the power of perseverance. His latest challenge – setting a Guinness World Record for the longest golf marathon – is a reflection of his dedication to pushing his limits and inspiring others.
“People assume that golf is for the wealthy and I’m trying to change that,” Ezihie said when asked why he embarked on the record attempt. “The goal is to let people know that golf is a game for everybody. Whatever your economic background or somebody with special needs, you can play the game of golf.”
Beyond the record attempt, Ezihie envisions a future where he continues to contribute to the golf community. He recently purchased land in Nigeria to start a golf center, hoping to inspire future PGA tour players.
