Primrose resident and visually impaired golfer Ernst Conradie recently set a new world record.
Conradie hit an impressive 7 003 balls into a target area, setting a new world record for the most golf balls hit by a visually impaired golfer in 12 hours.
“I hit a total of 8 417 within the 12 hours, but only 7 003 counted,” he explained.
Conradie faced several challenges on the day, including blisters and the sweltering heat.
“About four hours into the record attempt, at around 11am, I began to struggle with blisters on all my fingers, the heat also became a problem.
“Around noon I started to get muscle cramps, but this was quickly set right with more salt intake.
“But, at around 5pm, it really became a mental game, because I had become so tired and needed to decide if I would push on,” he said.
At around 6pm tragedy struck, when Conradie tore the ligaments in his left forearm.
“That made it much harder to continue swinging, but luckily I had a very good medical team and supporting staff, so I was able to finish the challenge,” he said.
Conradie was thrilled with the turnout at the event, “A big crowd came and supported me and I want to thank them,” he said.
Money raised during the record attempt was donated to the SA Blind Golf Association and the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
Conradie now turns his focus to preparing for the SA Blind Golf Open which will be held in Cape Town in September, as well as, the Japanese Blind Golf Open and the World Blind Golf Championship, in November.
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