The Longest Hole is up for a Laureus Award

 

Adam Rolston and Ron Rutland’s 80-day golf expedition across Mongolia is up for the Laureus Best Sporting Moment of the Year in the November competition

(LONDON) – They played golf across mountain ranges, over glaciers and through the Gobi Desert, and now Adam Rolston and Ron Rutland’s incredible golfing expedition is a contender for the Laureus Best Sporting Moment of the Year in the November competition. The pair, who were joined for 1980km of their 2000km golf hole by a stray dog nicknamed ‘UB’ after their final destination of Ulaanbaatar, introduced the sport of golf to Mongolians as they trekked across the country.
 
Northern Irishman Adam Rolston, a scratch golfer, hit around 250 shots each day while his South African caddie Ron Rutland hauled a cart weighing more than 100kg over mountains and across rivers with not a bridge in sight. Despite cultural and language barriers, the pair were overwhelmed by the welcome and hospitality of the Mongolian communities they visited.
 
Rolston said: “One of the most incredible things about this expedition has been the welcome of the people of Mongolia. They’ve fed us, laughed at us, opened their homes and played golf with us. The people we meet have no idea what golf is or where in the world we come from, but as soon as they see a golf club and ball, they’re intrigued. Mongolian's love golf, they just don't know it yet.”
 
Each month, from August to December, the public can select their favourite Moment from a shortlist of six videos, chosen by the sporting legends of the Laureus World Sports Academy. The five monthly winners will then go head-to-head in a final public vote, with the winner being announced at the 2018 Laureus Awards Ceremony. 

Laureus Best Sporting Moment of the Year - Contenders for November
The Armless Archer - Matt Stutzman overcomes adversity to beat able-bodied archers at the US National Championships
Eternal Champions – Chapecoense, the team torn apart by a devastating plane crash, inspires the football community with their miracle revival and comeback, none more so than defender and crash survivor Alan Ruschel
Fighting Together – Crotone football manager Davide Nicola helps his side secure a miracle in Serie A safety and then cycles 1,300km to honour his son who was killed in a cycling accident
From Crystal Meth to Glory – The rise and rise of long jumper Luvo Manyonga, from the depths of drug addiction to the top of the world 
My Best Mate – Jarryd Haines and Mark Smith’s friendship proves that Australian Rules football is more than just a game
The Longest Hole – Adam Rolston & Ron Rutland complete golf’s longest hole in 80 days across Mongolia
   
The Laureus Best Sporting Moment Award demonstrates qualities such as fair play, sportsmanship, drama and dedication, and looks beyond the scoreboard or podium. The Moments symbolise the true values of sport and bring to life the message that sport has the power to change the world.
     
To view these emotional and engaging Moments and vote for your favorite, visit myLaureus.com. Sports fans can also send videos that they have seen and enjoyed to myLaureus.com and they will be considered for the shortlist in future months.