AFTER seven days with less than three hours of sleep a night, Tenterfield police duty officer Sergeant Troy Grant, aka Rusty Gate, has broken a golfing world record and landed his name in the Guinness Book of World Records.
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A tired, weary and overjoyed sergeant Grant was cheered on by more than 100 supporters on Tuesday morning as he completed his 1729th hole, to make him the new golfing world record holder.
Breaking the previous record of 1728 set in seven days by fellow NSW police officer Sergeant Jeffrey Gar-land, Sergeant Grant took a brief break after finishing to celebrate with family, friends and waiting media.
He received a quick hug and a kiss from his wife, Toni, before teeing off again, this time reaching 1800 holes by 11am.
The inspiration behind Sergeant Grant's world record attempt is young Tenterfield teenager Ben Roberts, who suffered spinal injuries in a BMX accident last year.
An exhausted Sergeant Grant said his successful world record attempt was just a curtain raiser for the forthcoming Triple-0 Golf Day this Friday.
"I'm really excited about having broken the previous world record made by Jeff Garland and know that this past week has raised money for Ben's recovery," Sergeant Grant said.
"It has been a very exhausting, yet enjoyable, experience and I'm looking forward to catching up on the sleep I've missed out on.
"So, far we've raised at least $6000 for Ben, who is currently receiving treatment and rehabilitation in Brisbane."
Former record holder Jeff Garland said Sergeant Grant was extremely tired and was looking forward to going home to rest his legs.
Sergeant Grant said he wouldn't have been able to get through the past week without the support of his wife, Toni, Sergeant Garland, Ben and his family and the people of Tenterfield.
The Tenterfield community has established a registered charity, the Tenterfield Emergency Health Fund, which will administer all funds raised to ensure Ben has the best chance of a comfortable lifestyle when he gets home.
Donations can be made by sending a cheque to The Rusty World Record Chall-enge, PO Box 105, Tenterfield, NSW, 2372.
