The Inspiring Journey of Josh Simpson: Breaking the World Record in Golf

Angus Murray

Imagine dedicating an entire year to the game of golf. No work obligations, no family responsibilities—just the freedom to play, putt, and travel from one beautiful course to another. For many, this scenario may sound like a golfer’s paradise, a dream come true. For others, it might seem overwhelming or even a bit too indulgent. Nonetheless, this is precisely what 27-year-old Josh Simpson embarked on, and the outcome was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

On a gray Monday afternoon, just west of London, Josh completed a round of golf that marked his 581st in 2025, officially breaking the world record for the most 18-hole rounds played at different courses in a single year. “It’s easily the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Simpson shared with GOLF.com, “but it’s also the best thing I’ve ever done.” His journey embodies both relentless effort and heartfelt reflection.

The inspiration behind this ambitious quest stems from a deeply personal loss. Simpson’s mother tragically passed away from cancer just months after her diagnosis in 2023. Her untimely death prompted Josh to reevaluate his priorities. “Life is short,” he remarked, realizing that tomorrow is never guaranteed. With encouragement from a friend, he made the life-changing decision to leave his family’s lawn-care business and set out on this unprecedented golfing adventure.

The adventure began on January 24 with an intense 36-hole day at Woodhall Spa in England. From that point on, Josh traveled tirelessly in a camper van, playing countless golf courses across England, Wales, and Scotland. Each stop was unique, blending the thrill of golf with moments of reflection. Simpson’s travels became a whirlwind of experiences, with the kilometers blurring into one continuous journey. Although he could not secure a tee time at the iconic Old Course during his travels, he was fortunate to play at many renowned Open Championship host sites that offer rich histories and stunning landscapes.

Throughout this expansive journey, Simpson maintained a single-digit handicap, though it varied somewhat with his shifting performance across venues. “I’ve played over 10,000 holes, and while I’ve yet to make a hole-in-one, there have been many close calls,” he remarked, though the exact locations escape him. Instead, what resonates deeply with him are the relationships forged during this odyssey. His playing partners varied from greenskeepers to CEOs, illustrating the diverse spectrum of personalities commonly found on golf courses.

Weather challenges accompanied him on some days, with memories of battling heavy rain during a round at Royal Porthcawl standing out in stark contrast to the sun-filled days he experienced elsewhere. He managed to brave the elements and keep up with the tight schedule he had set, signifying the sheer determination driving him throughout the year. Whether battling horizontal rain or fierce winds in Glasgow, the numbers on the scorecard became secondary to simply staying on pace.

Golf marathons involve not only physical endurance but also intricate logistical planning. Simpson faced a multitude of challenges related to booking tee times, determining optimal routes, and adhering to Guinness World Records’ strict requirements. To qualify for the record, each course must feature 18 holes measuring over 6,000 yards—this criteria eliminated numerous par-3 courses and older designs across the UK. According to Josh, more than half of Scotland’s courses didn’t meet this standard.

Adhering to the rules provided further complexity, necessitating that each hole be played in strict order without skips or mulligans. Every round required witnessing and verifiable signatures, which added to the emotional and physical weights of his journey. “You could sense that these rules might not have been written by someone who actually plays golf,” he quipped.

Packing was another logistical challenge—something that could deter even the most seasoned traveler. Josh maintained a minimalistic approach, ensuring he packed the essentials: clubs, balls, gloves, and rain gear—along with an ample supply of socks. Surprisingly, he went through thirty gloves and countless golf balls but managed to stretch his first pair of shoes through 500 rounds before needing a replacement. Among his most cherished items was a custom ball marker inscribed with his mother’s name and adorned with bees, a symbol of her fondness for the creatures.

Reflecting on his journey, Simpson expressed bittersweet feelings regarding his late mother. “I would have loved for her to see what I was doing, but none of this would have happened if she hadn’t passed,” he said. It becomes clear that his record-breaking endeavor served not just as a personal milestone but also as a tribute to the memory of his mother.

With the record officially in hand, Josh isn’t slowing down. As he looks forward to finishing the year strong, he remains open to playing more courses—though he recognizes the fatigue that comes with such an extended commitment. “I’m pretty sick of golf,” he admits with a laugh, yet he remains driven to continue his efforts, determining each day just how far he is willing to go.

Josh Simpson’s journey highlights not just an impressive feat in sports but also the emotional aspects that often drive us to pursue our passions. His story serves as a reminder that, whether in sports or daily life, moments of joy and challenges intertwine, ultimately leading to personal growth and profound memories that last a lifetime.

As the golf community worldwide celebrates Simpson’s incredible achievement, his journey serves as an inspiring tale of overcoming grief through passion and community. His determination and resilience shine a light on what it means to truly make the most out of the time we have, whether on the greens or off them. The post ‘Hardest thing I’ve done’: Golfer breaks world record for most courses played in a year originally appeared on Golf.com.

In a world where countless distractions vie for our attention, Josh Simpson’s dedication to golf reminds us that with purpose and motivation, incredible accomplishments are possible. As we follow in Simpson’s footsteps, may we each find our own paths through life’s challenges, whether they lead us to the fairway or beyond.