Former Royal Marine Daniel Woods is preparing for an extraordinary endurance test as he swaps the battlefield for the fairway in a Guinness World Record attempt. The 35-year-old veteran from Bury aims to break the record for the most golf holes played in 24 hours, walking more than 105 miles and playing over 425 holes in a single, non-stop day. The challenge will take place at Pike Fold Golf Club in Unsworth, North Manchester, from August 23 to 24, with local supporters encouraged to cheer him on.
Motivation Rooted in Service and Loss
Daniel served with 45 Commando after joining the Royal Marines in 2008 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. Since leaving the Armed Forces, he has remained passionate about supporting the veteran community and raising awareness of the challenges many former service personnel face after military life. His motivation is deeply personal, having lost friends following their service.
"I joined the Royal Marines at 17, deployed to Afghanistan at 18, and by the time I left I'd achieved everything I set out to do," said Daniel. "The Royal Marines shaped who I am. The resilience and mindset I learned there are things I still carry with me every day. I've lost friends I served alongside since leaving the Forces. That's something that stays with you. If I can raise awareness and help even one veteran get support, then every mile will be worth it. That's the main reason I'm doing this challenge - to raise awareness of what people go through during and after service."
The Record-Breaking Feat
A keen golfer and experienced endurance athlete, Daniel has spent months preparing through a combination of golf-specific training, strength and conditioning work, and long-distance running. The challenge is far more demanding than a conventional round of golf. To break the existing record, Daniel must complete more than 425 holes within 24 hours, covering more than 105 miles on foot while maintaining a relentless pace from start to finish.
Unlike some endurance golf events, the attempt must comply with strict Guinness World Record criteria. The record must be completed on a regulation golf course measuring more than 6,000 yards, with all shots played according to the official Rules of Golf. To achieve the record, Daniel estimates he will need to average around 18 holes per hour for the full 24-hour period. During a recent training session, he completed 92 holes in just four hours, giving him confidence that the target is achievable.
Physical and Mental Endurance
However, Daniel believes the biggest challenge will not be the golf itself but sustaining the physical and mental endurance needed to keep moving for more than 100 miles with little rest. "Everyone tells me it's impossible, but that just makes me want to do it even more," Daniel said. "Someone's done it before, so it's not impossible, and all I can do is give it my best shot. The biggest challenge is going to be the sheer length of it, as the challenge works out at over 100 miles. I've done marathons and ultra events before, but I've never done 100 miles like this."
Support from Veterans' Foundation
Jane Gurney, CEO of Veterans' Foundation, said: "Daniel's challenge is an extraordinary test of endurance, determination and commitment. We are incredibly grateful for his support and for his passion to raise awareness of the issues facing veterans after service. The funds raised through this remarkable effort will help us continue supporting even more veterans and their families across the UK."
The Veterans' Foundation is proud to support Daniel's fundraising effort, which aims to raise vital funds for veterans and their families across the UK. To support his challenge, donations can be made via his JustGiving page.
