A GOLFER is planning to put his skills to the test by hitting more golf balls in 12 hours than anyone in history.

Rick Shiels’ world record plan is aimed at raising money that can be ploughed back into the sport to make it easier for youngsters to start playing golf.

The 26-year-old, from Gadfield Grove in Atherton, will need to hit more than 7,721 drives to break the record.

Every shot will need to travel 100 yards and fall within a 30-degree radius.

“I’ll need plenty of taping on my hands and probably some volunteers to line up the balls so that we can get it done quickly,” he said.

PGA teaching professional Rick, who is also getting married next year, coaches at Trafford Golf Centre and wants to do more to encourage young golfers.

He hopes the world record attempt will raise enough money to subsidize young golfers.

“I’d like to do more to promote the sport at grassroots level,” he said. Rick rarely shies away from a challenge.

He recently raised £510 for Christie’s completing the Great North Run in 1hr 58mins along with fellow PGA pro Andrew Carter.

He also raised £200 by organising a golf day at Davyhulme Park Golf club in Urmston and has been supported by North West keep fit group ‘Keep fit with Lyn.’

“The run was very difficult, very hilly and very wet. However, with the help from the crowd I managed to push through and break the two-hour barrier that I really wasn’t expecting to achieve,” he said.

“I plan to raise more money for Christie’s who treat and support thousands of cancer patients every year including my Grandma and Granddad who I sadly lost to cancer three years ago.”