Karratha golfer Royce Castano has reclaimed his world record for the highest number of virtual golf holes played in 24 hours.
Castano smashed his way through an incredible 867 holes at Karratha Indoor Golf to shatter the previous record of 810 holes, set by New South Welshman Matt Newton last November.
Subject to verification from Guinness World Records, Castano will reclaim the record he first set in March 2025, when he completed 720 holes in 22 hours at the same venue.
Castano (pictured above, second from left) hit more than 4,000 shots and worked his way through five gloves during his world-beating effort, which taxed him to the max, both physically and mentally.
A pinched nerve in his back after 13 hours slowed his progress, while Castano also had to cope with cramps, loss of sensation in his hands and a blood blister on his thumb that ultimately forced him to halt proceedings with 45 minutes still on the clock.
Still, with the help of two local physiotherapists, Nurofen, Tiger Balm and plenty of electrolytes, Castano pushed through the pain barrier to bring home the proverbial bacon.
No pain, no gain for Castano
“The body definitely copped it a bit!” Castano told GolfWA. “My fingers felt like they had been rubbed with sandpaper afterwards, and it’ll take a month to recover from nerve damage to my right thumb, but it was worth it.”
As well as earning him the world record, Castano’s marathon endeavour also raised more than $8,000 for good causes, with Pilbara-based mental health charity Dust & Adversity the chief beneficiary.
More than that, though, it was a feel-good story that energised the whole community, with 16 businesses and numerous local golfers supporting Castano’s record bid, and a range of in-house activities and prize giveaways contributing to a festival feel.
“We’re incredibly proud of Royce for reclaiming the record, but what made it so special was the community behind it,” said Karratha Indoor Golf Managing Director Tamika Jones.
“With local business sponsorship, members cheering him on around the clock, and our team working the full 24 hours to keep everything running, it’s a huge moment for Royce and for indoor golf. It also shows what’s possible when everyone gets behind something positive.”
Royce Castano was back at Karratha Indoor Golf just a day after his record-breaking stint!
You’d be forgiven for thinking Castano would be giving all forms of golf a miss for a while as he recuperates from his exertions. You’d be wrong.
“I’m addicted to golf, and I was back at Karratha Indoor Golf the next day for a hit, even with the pain,” Castano laughed.
He hasn’t ruled out a bid to extend his record in future, either.
“I think it’ll be a struggle for anyone to beat the record,” Castano added. “But I would like to get it to 900.”
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