Kathmandu, October 20

Nepali players created history today by playing one-hole golf at the Kongde Ri, at an altitude of 4,250 metres, in the Everest region.

Bikash Rana hit the first tee shot on the 95-yard par-3 hole in Kongde Ri, located four kilometres west of Namche Bazaar, in the first phase of the Ncell Baahrakhari Golf Tournament. A total of six players played the one-off hole in Kongde Ri, while eight others played at the 125-yard hole in Syangboche, at an altitude of 3,880 metres.

The organisers had planned to take at least 40 golfers to Kongde Ri but weather played foul and other players had to return from airport despite boarding a helicopter at the Tribhuvan International Airport, informed Deputy General Manager of Barahkari Media Surya Ghimire. “Although most players could not play the hole in Kongde Ri and Syangboche, we have set the world record of organising a golf tournament at the highest altitude,” claimed Ghimire.

The second round of the tournament is slated for October 26 at Gokarna Golf Club. Those who played in Kongde Ri and Syangboche will complete their round playing 17 holes, while others will play full round at Gokarna.