Staff WriterIf your idea of a tough round is losing a sleeve of balls and finishing nine holes in the drizzle, spare a thought for Isaac Rowlands.
The 25-year-old Assistant Pro from The Grove in Hertfordshire just rewrote the definition of endurance by conquering the World Record Golf Marathon—a mind-boggling 182-hole slog played under the surreal glow of the Arctic Circle’s midnight sun.
Yes, you read that right. One man, 53 miles on foot, 35 lost balls, 8,000 calories incinerated, and 32 hours of non-stop golf. That’s not a weekend fourball—it’s a one-man pilgrimage with a pitching wedge.
Rowlands etched his name into the Guinness World Record books by tackling the World Record Golf Marathon at Norway’s Lofoten Links, the northernmost links course on the planet and arguably one of the most breathtaking spots where a man can yell “Fore!” without echoing off a fjord.
This wasn’t just a tee-time with destiny; it was a personal mission inspired by his own teenage brush with cancer.
“I had a Lymphoma scare when I was 19, for which I had many tests and two operations until I was given the all-clear,” Rowlands explained.
“Throughout the whole process, Macmillan provided unwavering support. I would want others in the same situation to continue to get this level of support when going through such a difficult time.”
That scare became the spark. And what followed was a challenge that blended grit, generosity, and a lot of golf balls.
Rowlands raised over £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, fuelled by both caffeine and cause.
“It was both exhausting and exhilarating,” he said of his record-breaking marathon.
“Playing a course as incredible as Lofoten Links was a true privilege, and being able to contribute to such an important cause made the experience even more rewarding.”
And no, this wasn’t some stunt stitched together for social media glory. The previous record—just under 31 hours—was also set at Lofoten Links in 2022, meaning this slice of golfing heaven has become the unofficial arena for those who like their rounds long and their sleep optional.
Rowlands’ journey to this point is as measured as his backswing. A Cambridge native and former captain of the Cambridgeshire County Golf team, he joined The Grove in 2022 and began his PGA studies soon after.
By October 2023, he was fully embedded in the Pro team. And from there? Months of training, planning, and protein bars.
Back home, The Grove stood firmly in his corner. “We were very proud at The Grove to support Isaac,” said Joel Westwell, Director of Golf.
“Although millions of us love playing golf, this was a seriously physical challenge, and we have supported him in every way we could to ensure a successful world record attempt. I would urge everyone to give generously for such an amazing cause.”
They’re not just blowing smoke, either. The Grove recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and was crowned England’s Best Golf Hotel at the 2024 World Golf Awards in Madeira.
Known for its five-star service and open-to-all ethos, it’s a fitting home base for a record-breaker with a cause.
Donations for Isaac’s effort are still open on his JustGiving page, so if you’ve ever cursed your slice on the front nine, maybe spare a tenner for someone who’s just walked—and golfed—the equivalent of two marathons with a bag on his back.
Because sometimes, golf isn’t about the scorecard. Sometimes, it’s about the miles walked, the storms weathered, and the lives touched.
For more information on The Grove, visit www.thegrove.co.uk
To support Isaac’s cause, visit his JustGiving page.
