By Douglas Whitbread via SWNS
An inspirational seven-year-old golfer has played a round in five different countries in under 24 hours – as he bids to raise $100,000 in memory of his late father.
George Hughes completed his epic challenge Friday in tribute to his dad, Dave Hughes, who sadly died from heart transplant complications.
He and his grandad, Tony Sedgwick, 53, came up with the idea for the fundraiser at courses in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England last year.
And speaking about his amazing achievement – believed to be a world record – George thought his family would be ‘proud’ of him.
He said: “I think I’ve played really good. It’s been really cool to raise all the money.
“And it’s been really fun to play the courses. I think my family will be happy and proud of what I have done.”
George teed off yesterday (Thurs) at 9.30am at Ballymascanlon Hotel & Golf Resort, in Ireland, before heading north of the border to Cloverhill Golf Club.
He finished the day at Wigtownshire County Golf Club in Scotland and then rose early this morning (Fri) for a 6.30am tee time at Chester Golf Club in England.
George then went on to sink his final putt in Hawarden Golf Club, North Wales, at 9.25am – to complete the challenge.
He has so far raised around £90,000 through a variety of different events for his chosen charity, The Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant Association.
And Tony was brimming with pride at the little lad’s most recent success, which puts him well on course to hit his £100,000 fundraising goal.
He said: “Emotionally, he’ll take a long time to get over it and the success… We’ll be forever proud of him.”
“To see that final putt, knowing all the effort that’s been put into it and knowing he’s only seven years of age – and to play five courses in five countries in 24 hours – it’s just mind-blowing.
“For George to face such sadness and challenges at such a young age, and then to do what he is doing now, it just speaks volumes of his character.
“He’s never been pressured into it, and we’re the luckiest family to have George.”
During his rounds, footage showed how George hit an incredible 150-yard tee shot onto the green of a par three hole – before later sinking a tricky putt.
Tony added: “George has just got such a passion for golf, and that passion is now turned into the fundraising element as well.
“But he’s challenging himself and having fun. He’s kicking himself when he does bad shots and high-fiving himself when he does good shots.”
George, of Wigan, Lancs., was only one when his dad, Dave, tragically passed away at the age of 32 following heart transplant surgery.
He had suffered from a congenital heart condition and had waited four and half years for a donor organ, which it was hoped would prolong his life.
But due to a rare complication, his donor’s heart failed, and he tragically died 11 weeks after the operation.
George was left completely heartbroken by the loss, with his mum Louise saying he would often “cry and ask for his daddy”.
However, within weeks, he picked up his first set of plastic golf clubs, which Tony bought him, and quickly began to excel at the game in his back garden.
By the age of three, the talented toddler could hit a ball around 100 yards and had finished his first hole in just 11 shots.
Tony previously said: “Golf was a distraction for George. But for me, as a Grandad, it’s fantastic that I can get out and play with him on a course.
“He’s doing very, very well. On a 340-yard hole, he’ll be paring it. He’s a consistent hitter of the ball. He’s improving vastly.
“Golf has been such an inspiration for him, and it’s helping him, but it’s also turning him into a fine young man because he’s playing with adults.”
George, who is sponsored by retailer American Golf, recently met his hero, Ryder Cup winner Tommy Fleetwood, ranked at number 13 in the world.
He is now being trained by Fleetwood’s former coach, Norman Marshall, who said he had the right attitude to be a future champion.
He said: “We know that what goes into making a champion is largely unseen: character, determination, courage, resilience and enthusiasm.
“In George, we are beginning to see all of these qualities shine through, to compliment his undoubted golfing talent.”
George also hosted his own junior golf day for 100 players in May this year.
