Rwandan golfer Melissa Akanigi Ishimwe has entered the Guinness World Book of Records by becoming the first woman to complete an 18-hole under 55 minutes unassisted. Ishimwe, 23, clocked 52 minutes and amassed a total of 102 points to finish the 18-hole at Kigali Golf Resort and Villas which measures 6,081 yards on Thursday, May 8. She joins the likes of British national, James Carvil in the record book where the latter holds a world record as the first man to have completed the 18-hole Warren Point Golf Course in Northern Ireland which measured 6,154 yards in 27 minutes and 9 seconds back in 1987. “This whole thing means God is able. If you put in more effort nothing is impossible,” Ishimwe told Times Sport. She said that she will use her success in the sport to inspire other women aspiring to make it in golf and other sports disciplines. ALSO READ: Golf: Rwanda's Ishimwe takes shot at Guinness World Record I can use golf as an opportunity to inspire women. I can use it as a platform to empower women and inspire myself.” On her preparation for the event, Ishimwe mentioned that she had to put in extra work and “trained for many hours daily” to be in shape to accomplish the target. I remember I was aligning and after, I went on the website to check on the Guinness World Record. I applied to compete for the completion of the unassisted 18-hole record and they gave me 55 minutes. The practice journey started in January. I had to go to the gym, I had to be running, my coach and I started for four hours and, as time went by, we were able to reduce it and catch up with the stipulated time. I did 8 hours of training on average. Ishimwe is a businesswoman who deals in hardware materials. She plays Golf as a hobby but, after achieving the latest record, she said she may consider investing more time and dedication into the sport. Golf is my hobby, I started golf in July 2023. In July this year, I will be celebrating two years in the game. I sell construction materials and I do not play golf as a career. But with this success, I will consider going forward, she said. Ishimwe, who is the third-born in her family, hailed her mother for always motivating and pushing her until she achieved the record. My mother has been my inspiration and motivation. She has done well by supporting and assisting me in every aspect. Not time to rest! Innocent Rutamu, the Vice President of Kigali Golf Union, urged Ishimwe not to rest on her laurels but endeavor to work harder in the sport after achieving such a remarkable feat. The effort put in was so good. It has brought Rwanda to the limelight. She (Ishimwe) should continue to work hard, Rutamu said. Ishimwe becomes the third Rwandan to enter the Guinness World Book of Records after Eric Dusingizimana and Cathia Uwamahoro who entered the record book for the longest bat in cricket in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
