Laguna Beach, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2024) — Will he ever play golf again? He already has…
After playing 18-hole rounds on 580 different golf courses and traveling 35,000 miles, visiting 41 states, plus Finland (that’s another story!) in 365 days, Patrick Koenig is back home in Southern California. For now!
The golf photographer, blogger, and entrepreneur shattered the previous world record of 449 courses back in October at Colorado’s Omni Interlocken Golf Club.
“This has been one of the most rewarding and challenging years of my life,” said Koenig, who turned 44 the day after his ‘ridiculous ride’ concluded. The Wall Street Journal dubbed him the “hero maniac.”
Since January 2023, Koenig traversed the country in a fully outfitted recreational vehicle, playing 18 or 36 holes (or more) of golf daily in his quest to set the world record, while simultaneously raising funds for First Tee of Greater Seattle and other local charities.
His effort was sponsored by Golf Game Book, the #1 digital scorecard and social golf app where Koenig recorded all rounds and uploaded exclusive social content. He visually showcased the quality and diversity of golf in America. Additional sponsors provided footwear (Ecco), apparel (Breakfast Balls), and a remote-controlled golf cart (Stewart Golf).
Koenig planned his routes and drove the RV himself, in addition to doing his laundry, cooking his meals, and playing golf. Along the way he collected scorecards, ball markers, hole flags and a legion of friends and admirers.
“I am an equal opportunity golfer – I love to play anywhere, any time,” he quipped. Obviously!
Other statistics from his 365-day odyssey:
- Favorite course: Sand Hills, Nebraska
- Walking vs riding: Walked 70% of the rounds
- Holes played: 10,440
- Most holes in a day: 72 (all four courses at Doral)
- Longest stay in one spot: Palm Springs-2 weeks
- Average course length: 6600 yards
- Worst weather: Snow in Utah, on the edge of the Wasatch Range
- Enemies: lightning and snow
- Fitness routine: stretch, stretch, stretch
- Charitable dollars raised: $40,000
- Average score: 77
- Lowest score: 67 (Cimarron Golf Resort, Boulder Course, Cathedral City, Calif.)
- Handicap (before): 4
- Handicap (after): scratch
- Holes-in-One: 0
- Best meal: Burger Dog
- Favorite souvenir: Pin flag from Belvedere CC
The trip was not without incident, including a couple RV breakdowns, the failure of his first drone (Robert Trent Drone) and one wedge mishap.
One thing that did not break down was Koenig himself. He chalks it up to healthy eating, no alcohol, a stretching regimen, and slowing down his swing speed.
Maybe that’s why he was able to execute his signature jump at the conclusion of rounds, including the grand finale at 2015 U.S. Open Championship site, Chambers Bay on January 2, in driving rain and surrounded by dozens of admirers.
What’s next? “I’ll have to get back to you,” he said. “I’m due on the first tee.”
For a full recap of the RGV Tour 2.0, visit the website at http://www.pjkoenig.com/rgv-tour-20 or follow Koenig on Instagram @PJKoenig.
