UH student attempting to break Guinness record for disc golf holes in 24 hours

Cody Miller prepares for a disc golf throw at Windwood Presbyterian Church. Courtesy photo Cody Miller prepares for a disc golf throw at Windwood Presbyterian Church. Courtesy photo Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close UH student attempting to break Guinness record for disc golf holes in 24 hours 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

As he finishes his junior year at the University of Houston, Cody Miller is also preparing for a personal endurance contest.

On May 17-18, he will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the number of disc golf holes completed in 24 hours. He will be playing at the course in Bobby Ford Park in Richwood, about 50 miles south of Houston.

Disc golf is played much like traditional golf, except the "ball" is a Frisbee or other flying disc and the "holes" are elevated containers, such as a metal basket. The sport, which was formalized in the 1970s, is an inexpensive pastime that can be played by a wide variety of people, according to the Professional Disc Golf Association.

The existing world record was set by Michael Sales, who in February 2013, played 1,310 holes in 24 hours at Isla Vista Peace Course in Goleta, California, according to Guinness.

Miller, who is studying public relations, took up disc golf a couple years ago after swimming competitively at Cypress Creek High School and in his first year of college at University of Texas - Permian Basin in Odessa.

When he transferred to UH for his sophomore year, he decided it was time for a change.

"I needed something else to do," he said.

For Miller, the attempt to break the world record is not just a gimmick but a chance to draw attention to the problem of human trafficking in Houston.

In the weeks before the competition, he's asking supporters to donate to the Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition, which works to prevent modern-day slavery. Anyone who would like to contribute can do so through this page.

On the day of the competition, he will be accompanied by volunteers who will cover the tasks of handing him a fresh disc at each hole so he doesn't to stoop to pick it up (he's taking a stack of 20), recording his score and videotaping the entire event.

"Two disc golf officials will make sure I follow all the rules, making sure every hole is completed," he said.

One advantage of the course at Bobby Ford Park, Miller said, is that it's "really short," with an average of 110 feet between holes. Although short, it's considered legitimate by the disc golf association's governing body, he said.

"They said, 'We'll recognize the record if you break it at that court,' " Miller said.

Miller also enjoys playing at other courses and has visited more than 100, including about 25 that are out of state.