Golfers willing to make a pilgrimage from halfway around the world to take on the Old Course in St Andrews are not uncommon.
However, the two New Zealand golfers who teed off at the home of golf were more than a little out of the ordinary.
Jamie Patton and Michael Goldstein, both 25, set out to play a round on a different course every day this year to raise money for charity and the Home of Golf became their 223rd course.
They teed off at Kauri Cliffs on January 1 and their golfing odyssey has taken them across New Zealand, Australia, the USA and Europe.
Since their arrival in Scotland they have played at dozens of courses, including Carnoustie, Royal Troon, Prestwick, Kirkcaldy and Elie.
The golfers, who gave up their jobs as lawyers to start the quest, have raised more than $16,000 for a charity helping disadvantaged youngsters play golf.
Jamie said, “Playing a different course every day keeps things fresh so we’re not bored of golf although some days you wake a little sore and tired.”
Jamie and Michael shot a 73 and a 77 at St Andrews and have shot more than 17,000 strokes each.
They are also to play Aberdour and St Andrews’ Castle Course.
Sponsor them at www.puregolf2010.com.