During my world record route in 2023 I played 580 courses in 365 days. That is a 10,440 holes in one year. The most holes that I played in a single day was 72. As I sat in my RGV exhausted after playing four different golf courses, I couldn’t imagine playing another hole of golf that day.
When I learned that the National Links Trust was hosting a 100 hole hike at East Potomac golf links to support affordable and accessible public golf, I quickly changed my opinion about playing more than 72 golf holes in a single day. If there is one thing that American golf needs more of, it is access to quality affordable golf. The National Links Trust is leading that charge in the Washington DC area and I wanted to help. You can learn more and be a part of the effort by donating here.
During my visit to East Potomac Golf Links I wasn’t planning on squeezing in just a few more golf holes, I was planning on adding an additional 28 holes. Here are my 8 pillars of Hundred Hole Hike survival.
Pillar #1: Start Early
If you are looking to put 100 holes on the board, you will need to start as soon as the golf course becomes visible. Once you can physically see your golfball it is time to start golfing. The weather will most likely be cool and you can build your mental momentum by knowing that you are off to a good start. If possible, I also recommend making a birdie or an eagle on the first hole.
Pillar #2: Extra Socks
This is the simplest thing to do that will make the biggest difference. Just bring 5 pairs of socks and switch em out every 18 or 36 holes. A blister on the foot will make your 100 hole hike absolutely miserable and some dry comfortable socks will go a long way to making your walk enjoyable. I highly recommend Del Campo Golf Socks.
If you only pay attention to one pillar, this is that one pillar.
PIllar #3: Play with fun people
In order to complete my 100 holes, I spent 13.5 hours playing golf. You don’t want to spend this much time with a jabroni. You need to keep the mood fun and adventurous. Having a sweet foursome is your ticket to success. Fill your group with people that keep a good attitude, tell funny jokes and are generally enjoyable to spend time with. It is also important to check yourself before you wreck yourself and make sure that you, yourself are not the jabroni.
I would spend 13.5 hours with either of these groups.
PIllar #4: Drink excessive amounts of fluids
Everyone has heard the song “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. In this situation you will need to alter the lyrics to “Don’t Stop Drinking Water.” Make sure to pack a refillable water bottle and constantly consume water. All golf courses should have plenty of stations were you can refill. Not thirsty? Just go ahead and chug that jug anyways and pump another drive.
Pillar #5: Eat constantly
Your approach to food consumption should mimic your water consumption. A steady flow of calories is ideal for prolonged exercise. As tempting as it might be, you don’t want to hammer down two hot dogs after your first 18 holes. Nuts, fruits and energy bars are excellent choices for on the go fuel as you stack up the golf holes. A banana will provide potassium and help your muscles from cramping and keep you hydrated. Oats and whole grains will provide the carbohydrates you need. Chicken or lean proteins will provide the muscle repair that your body needs to keep on hiking and golfing.
Beverly Hills Cop banana joke
Pillar #6: Use a push cart
If you are over the age of 30, you probably have some concerns about how your lower back will perform when playing 100 holes of golf. Get yourself a push cart and take the load off of your back. If you want to take it a step further I would recommend using the Q Follow from Stewart Golf. It’s like having your own caddy that carries your clubs and doesn’t give you garbage reads on the greens. Two batteries will cover 72 holes. Just charge your spare battery in the clubhouse while you golf.
PIllar #7: Lube up your thighs
While this is generally just good life advice, it is of premium importance when walking 100 holes of golf. Chafing can be a serious problem, but if you identify potential problem areas beforehand it is an easy pitfall to avoid. Personally, I just put some Neosporin on my inner thighs and I had no issues.
Pillar #8: Play Fast
Even if you are playing 18 holes, you should play fast. But if you are playing 100 holes, you need to play faster. You don’t have time to look for lost golf balls or play a game of tiddlywinks on the green. Play ready golf, don’t take practice swings and don’t bother lining up your putts. Just rock and roll. There is a good chance that your golf game might actually benefit from your brain not having enough time to get in the way.
For my personal journey, The Hike at East Potomac went off without a hitch. I followed each of my 8 survival pillars and emerged at 100 holes with plenty of pep in my golf step. I even had the effort to put in one extra hole to finish at 101 holes of golf. You can check out the official recap below. By order of golf law, if you used any of my 8 pillars you are required to support the cause and donate to the National Links Trust. Every little bit counts and I can assure you that the fine folks over at The National Links Trust will make excellent use of your donation.