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Speed golf is a variation of golf that combines the elements of running and golf. The objective is to complete a golf course in the fewest possible strokes and the fastest time. The sport was believed to have been started in 1979 in California by former American record holder Steve Scott, who ran around a golf course in 29 minutes and 33 seconds, shooting a 95 with only a 3-iron. The sport has since gained popularity and is now played in North America, Europe, and Japan, with major tournaments telecast by channels such as ESPN, CBS, and The Golf Channel. Speed golf tournaments follow the same rules as traditional golf, with the addition of a time component. Players aim to complete the course in the fastest time possible while also minimizing their number of strokes. This requires a combination of physical fitness, golfing skills, and strategic decision-making. While some traditional golfers have expressed concern that speed golf takes away from the leisure aspect of the game, others appreciate the faster pace and the opportunity to fit more golf into their schedules.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | California, 1979 |
| Objective | Complete the course in the fewest strokes and the fastest time |
| Scoring | Lowest combined score of strokes and time wins |
| Example Score | 90 strokes in 45 minutes = 135 |
| Number of Clubs | Limited set, typically 3-7 clubs |
| Clothing | Suitable attire for running |
| Timing | Starts when the player hits their first shot |
| Course | Regular golf courses |
| Intervals | Players tee off at regular intervals, e.g. every 6 minutes |
| Major Tournaments | ESPN, CBS, The Golf Channel |
| Guinness World Record Holder | Christopher Smith, 65 in 44:06 minutes |
| Lowest Competition Score | Mitch Williamson, 77 in 31 minutes |
| British Champion | Luke Willett |
| British Champion Score | 71 gross in just over 70 minutes |
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Rules and scoring
Speed golf, also known as extreme golf, fast golf, fitness golf, or hit and run golf, is a variation of golf that scores on the number of strokes played and the time taken to complete the round. The aim is to complete 18 holes in the quickest time and with the fewest shots.
The rules and etiquette are generally the same for speed golf and regular golf, with some exceptions. The flagstick is left in when putting to save time, though it can be removed if desired. Standard R&A golf rules apply, alongside any local amendments. Golfers are expected to rake bunkers, fix ball marks, and conform to the normal golf course dress code, although most speed golfers wear running shoes.
Speed golfers can carry up to seven clubs, with the option to carry more depending on their preference, terrain, and elevation of the course. Golf bags are set down outside the putting green area and retrieved after the putt.
In the case of a lost ball, players are allowed to play it like a lateral hazard, dropping the ball on the line of flight of the previous shot with a one-shot penalty.
The scoring system combines the time taken to play the round, from the first tee to the final putt, with the total number of shots played. For example, a score of 90 on a golf course completed in 59 minutes and 30 seconds would result in an overall speed golf score of 149:30.
Speed golf can be played at a rapid pace by skilled professionals, but it can also be enjoyed at a slower pace by beginners. It is recommended to start with a few holes and gradually add more as fitness improves, and to warm up, cool down, and stretch before and after playing.
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History
Speed golf is a variation of golf that combines the elements of running and golf. The objective is to complete the course in the fewest possible number of strokes and the fastest time possible. The winner is determined by the lowest combined score, which is calculated by adding the number of strokes taken to the time taken to complete the course.
The sport is believed to have started in 1979 in California when former American record holder Steve Scott ran around a golf course in 29 minutes and 33 seconds, shooting a 95 with only a 3-iron. After hearing about Scott, former ironman triathlete and teaching pro Jay Larson became the person who many considered the top speed golfer of the 1990s. Larson once shot a 75 in 39 minutes and 9 seconds on a 6,500-course with a slope rating of 125.
Towards the end of the 1990s, Oregonians and speed golfers Tim Scott, Christopher Smith, and Jim Kosciolek founded a company called Speed Golf International to promote the sport. The oldest known speed golf tournament is the Bob-n-Broc', held annually in Minneapolis since 1998. Throughout the 2000s, various competitions were held across the United States, particularly at Bandon Dunes in Bandon, Oregon.
The official Guinness World Record was achieved by professional Christopher Smith at the Chicago Speedgolf Classic at Jackson Park Golf Course on October 16, 2005. Smith shot 65 in just 44:06 while carrying six clubs, resulting in a speed golf score of 109:06.
The inaugural Speed Golf World Championships took place on October 20–21, 2012, at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon. The sport has since gained traction and is now played in North America, Europe, and Japan, with major tournaments telecasted on channels such as ESPN, CBS, and The Golf Channel.
In 2014, the Inaugural British Speedgolf Championships were held at Boars Head Golf Centre, marking the growth of the sport in the UK and worldwide. Rob Hogan, a former World Speedgolf Champion, took the British Title in 2015 and 2016. The British Speedgolf Championships have continued annually, with the 2023 edition being the fastest yet, attracting an impressive international field.
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Tournaments
Speed golf tournaments have been held across the world, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. The sport is telecast on channels such as ESPN, CBS, and The Golf Channel.
The oldest known speed golf tournament is the Bob-n-Broc', which has been held each September in Minneapolis since 1998. Throughout the 2000s, there were various other competitions held across the United States, many of which took place at Bandon Dunes in Bandon, Oregon. The Eastern Speedgolf Open was held at The Foundry Golf Club in Powhatan, Virginia, on June 30, 2013, with a purse of $35,000 for professional competitors. The Australian Speedgolf Open was held on August 29, 2016, at Yarra Bend Golf Club in Melbourne, where Mitch Williamson of Orange in New South Wales shot a score of 77 in 31 minutes, for a Speedgolf score of 108.
The inaugural Speed Golf World Championships were held on October 20-21, 2012, at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon. The United States Speedgolf Championships have also been held at the Horton Smith Golf Course in Missouri.
In a speed golf tournament, the player's score is calculated by adding their golf score to the time taken to complete the round. Players move at their own pace between shots, using a limited set of clubs (typically 4-6), and carry their own bag, which is a smaller, lightweight stand or carry bag. Spectators are allowed to follow on foot or pace ahead, provided they do not interfere with normal play.
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Training
Speed golf training is a specific type of training that aims to increase club head speed. There are a variety of training methods and tools that can be used to improve speed in golf.
One method is to separate swing work from speed work. When doing swing work, the focus is not on speed, and when doing speed work, the focus is solely on the feeling of the club moving very fast. This can be achieved by using speed sticks, which can add distance when used according to the plan on the SuperSpeed Golf website.
Another method is to focus on strengthening the muscles used during the swing, rather than altering the swing itself. This can be done through isometrics, which are exercises where muscles act against each other or a fixed object. Resistance bands can be used to mimic the golf swing and gradually increase resistance to teach the muscles to swing faster.
Overspeed training is a technique that involves making the body move faster than normal during training, causing the brain to remember this faster speed. This can be done through the SuperSpeed Overspeed training program, which consists of three training cycles with five levels, including a primary training phase and a maintenance phase.
Additionally, grip strength has been found to correlate with swing speed, so training tools and protocols to increase grip strength can be beneficial. The SuperSpeed app offers training protocols to improve grip strength, with one free level and additional levels available with a premium subscription.
It is important to note that strength training is essential for building a foundation before focusing on power and speed work. Lower back exercises and lower body explosive movements, such as those demonstrated with a medicine ball by strength and conditioning coach Jamie Greaves, can help increase speed and power while reducing the risk of injury.
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Speed golf vs traditional golf
Speed golf is a variation of traditional golf that combines the elements of running and golf. It was believed to have started in 1979 in California when former American record holder Steve Scott ran around a golf course in 29 minutes and 33 seconds, shooting a 95 with only a 3-iron. The sport has since gained popularity and is now played in North America, Europe, and Japan, with major tournaments telecast by channels such as ESPN, CBS, and The Golf Channel.
The objective of speed golf is to complete the course in the fewest possible strokes and the fastest time possible. The winner is determined by the lowest combined score, which is calculated by adding the number of strokes taken to the time taken to complete the course. For example, a player who shoots a 90 in 45 minutes would have a speed golf score of 135. This format encourages players to eliminate practice swings and other time-consuming rituals, requiring them to make quick strategic decisions on the course.
In traditional golf, the focus is solely on the number of strokes taken to complete the course, without any time constraints. Players can take their time between shots and may even play as part of a foursome, which can lead to longer rounds of 5-6 hours, as mentioned by some golfers. Traditional golf allows for a more relaxed and leisurely experience, providing an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, and socialise with fellow golfers.
The rules of speed golf are similar to traditional golf, with a few exceptions. One notable difference is that in speed golf, players putt with the flagstick placed in the hole, and they are allowed to play a lateral hazard if a ball is hit out of bounds or lost. Additionally, speed golfers typically wear running attire and carry a limited set of clubs, usually three or four, to reduce weight and increase mobility.
While traditional golf emphasises technique, strategy, and precision, speed golf introduces a new dimension of physical fitness and endurance. It appeals to those who seek a more dynamic and fast-paced version of the game, free from the frustrations of slow play. Speed golf presents a unique challenge, combining golfing skills with cardiovascular endurance, creating a novel and exhilarating experience for participants.
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Frequently asked questions
Speed golf is a variation of golf that combines the elements of running and golf. The objective is to complete the course in the fewest possible strokes and the fastest time possible.
Speed golf scoring is calculated by combining the time it takes to play a round (from tee-off to the ball dropping in the cup on the 18th) and the total number of shots played. For example, if you shoot 96 and complete 18 holes in 65 minutes, your total speed golf score is 161.
The sport is believed to have started in 1979 in California when Steve Scott, a former American record holder, ran around a golf course in 29 minutes and 33 seconds, shooting 95 with only a 3-iron.
Players wear suitable attire for running and carry a limited set of clubs, typically three or four. You can use up to seven clubs, but the fewer the better.
Speed golf can be played on regular golf courses, though it is important that the path ahead is clear. The sport is now played in North America, Europe, and Japan, and major tournaments are telecast by channels such as ESPN, CBS, and The Golf Channel.
