In October of last year, Patrick Koenig played his 450th course of the year, surpassing a world record. After leaving his job in the commercial world to become a photographer in 2018, he bought a mobile home to turn it, as he calls it, into an RGV (Recreational Golf Vehicle), the step before embarking on a journey across 48 states in the United States where he raised more than $20,000 for the charity The First Tee.
From October until the end of the year, Patrick managed to set his record at 580 18-hole golf courses played in a year, far surpassing the previous record of 449. Now, he has given an interview to the website bunkered in which he reviews his experience, and due to its originality and appeal, we reproduce it below on Ten-Golf.
Why did you focus on this record?
It bothered me not having the world record. Golf Gamebook, which is now my sponsor, came and said, “Have you ever thought about doing it again?” I said, “Yes!” So I told them my business plan. Jonathan and Cathie Weaver held the record of 449 different 18-hole courses played in 365 days for 13 years. Now it’s mine.
What is a typical day like during your travels?
Well, I’ll tell you about yesterday. I woke up in a Walmart parking lot, drove 10 minutes to the golf course, flew the drone, played 18 holes, and had a sandwich for breakfast. Then I went to another course and played 18 more holes. People made donations, we raised $150 for The First Tee, took some beautiful sunset photos, and headed to the next course. We tried to park at Costco, were told to move, did laundry in a rough neighborhood, and went to sleep. That’s about it. Then we get up and do it again.
Have you had any breaks?
Only for the Tiger Woods Invitational (at Pebble Beach from October 7 to 12). I got to spend some time with Tiger and photograph him. I will have played 359 days by the end of this year, with six days off for Tiger.
What does your family think?
I have to commend my girlfriend, Rachel. The best golf girlfriend in the world. Most guys wonder if they can sneak away for a weekend and get stressed. I’m doing a whole year, and she brings me cakes with the number of courses I’ve played.
Has it made you love golf more or hate it?
I love it more. You appreciate the people who play it, how good it can be. This circuit brings out the best in people. Generosity above all, because everyone is delighted to participate. How can you not love golf and the people who play it when you see people supporting you and making donations for the kids? It’s incredible.
Has it been stressful?
Once I got angry and punched a golf cart. I was stressed about the schedule, which was getting messed up. I hurt my knuckle, and my swing hurt for the rest of the round. It was silly. You learn about yourself and own your mistakes.
How have you been able to afford it?
The first time I did it, I spent all my savings. That year wasn’t good financially, but it paved the way for this. The challenge was to gain followers. No one is going to want to get involved with someone who can do the job but no one pays attention to. Golf Gamebook wouldn’t have come on board if they hadn’t seen me do it the first time. The motorhome cost about $160,000, and it broke down six times initially. People loved seeing me struggle with that; that’s the interest, when it goes wrong.
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