Two individuals, Ron Rutland and Adam Rolston, embark on an 82-day journey to conquer the longest golf hole in Mongolia, aiming to set a world record. Adam, an occasional golfer, teams up with Ron as his caddie. Their adventure commences at the end of June and aims to wrap up in September.
Rolston adeptly swings the ball around 160-180 times daily to prepare his hands for the journey's harsh conditions, aiming to prevent blisters. On the other hand, Rutland, an adventure enthusiast, carries a 100kg load, including supplies like food, water, camping gear, and additional golf balls.
"We'll surely play to our strengths," said Rutland to CNN. "Adam is a great golfer, and I'm tasked with transporting our gear across the entire country."
Transporting 400 heavy golf balls weighing between 25-30kg was a challenge for them.
The pair found themselves in sweltering heat, rising early and working until 8 am. Dehydration posed a risk, so they carried plenty of water. As the sun set, they had to ward off swarms of mosquitoes. Rutland, a vegetarian, found procuring food in a beef-reliant culture to be challenging.
"We're not just roaming around Mongolia for food," he joked. "Food is more than just fuel for us: lots of rice, noodles, beans.
"I relied more on self-sufficiency. We bought some dehydrated camping food, which was usually vegan.
"It will be a bit challenging for me, but I think I'll manage by the end."
Mongolians love golf, though they're not yet well-versed in the game.
By July, the duo had surpassed 766 kilometers, nearing the end of their 1,850-kilometer journey at Bogd Mountain Golf Club in Ulaanbaatar.
"We actually teed off at the 18th hole in the only golf club in Mongolia," Rolston said. "We carried the putter around with us the whole time, just to putt here for the final moment – we'd been carrying this useless item for 82 days."
Golf remains a less-known sport in Mongolia, with the sight of two men wielding clubs at the course's white ball garnering little interest.
"They don't really know golf, but they love it," Rolston said.
"When we first arrived in the Mongolia, we did a recce tour, and when someone tossed a white ball up, everyone's eyes lit up. They were super curious."
"They throw this white ball into the sky and just want to give it a whirl. Mongolians love golf so much, they just don't know it yet."
Lofty turnout for golf enthusiasts is just one of the challenges. Warding off mosquitoes, healing blisters, and navigating the rugged Mongolian terrain are other obstacles.
Despite the challenges, the duo remains hopeful and confident that they'll conquer the greens in Ulaanbaatar and break the world record.
Their motto is slow and steady, and they will continue to make progress.
"It's an adventure, and it'll only take 80 days. If you let yourself get into it, you can overcome almost anything in 80 days."
