STATE COLLEGE, Pa., April 17, 2002 - Christopher Cain, the PGA Head Golf Professional at the Penn State Golf Courses, broke the Guinness World Record for the most golf holes played in 12 hours today. Cain played a total of 505 holes shattering the old record of 476.

Cain, from Watchung, N.J., finished his 477th hole at 11 hours 14 minutes and 39 seconds, which was over 45 minutes ahead of Brannan Robertson of Sarasota Fla., who held the old record of 476. He continued to play and reached his goal of 500 at the 11:47.59 mark. Cain played a five-hole loop on the Penn State White Course and averaged roughly seven minutes per loop for the entire 12 hour period.

More important than the Guinness record attempt is Cain's desire to raise contributions for local organizations including the Professional Golf Management Student Society (PGMSS). The PGMSS, which Cain serves in as a mentor, helps shape future golf professionals. The goal was to raise $50,000 for the charities. As of the events conclusion the amount raised was still being determined.

¡°Yesterday I felt like I could get the record, but I did not think I could reach 500. Once I surpassed the record I got a third wind. I also knew that the more holes I played the more we raised. If that is not motivation I don¡¯t know what is,¡± Cain said.

Cain, a 1998 Penn State graduate had been training specifically for the event for nearly a year. He visited the PGA National Golf Club in January, where he took a fitness assessment test in order to develop a training program for the 90 miles of yardage he would have to cover. Cain is an accomplished golfer, tying the Penn State White Course record of 63 in May 2001.

Penn State is not new to the Guinness World Record, as the mark once belonged to a Happy Valley resident. Doug Wert, general manager/director of Penn State's golf courses, held the record when played 440 holes in 12 hours in June 1993. That record stood until 2000.

At the conclusion of the event Cain took time to thank the many people who helped him set the record. ¡°I would like to thank Robert Bryant Ltd. for putting up five dollars a hole and for sponsoring the event. I also want to thank all the spectators. Without all their support we would not have raised as much [money] as we did.¡±

Donations can still be made per hole or lump sum. To do so, contact Cain at cpc108@psu.edu or 814-863-0254 or 863-0257. More information can be found at www.psu.edu/golfcourses.