Jackson Reid
Speed golf (or Speedgolf) 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. For example, if a player shoots a 90 in 45 minutes, their score would be 135. Speed golf is played on regular golf courses, and players typically carry 3-7 clubs and wear attire suitable for running.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Objective | Complete the course in the fewest possible number of strokes and the fastest time possible |
| Winner determination | Lowest combined score (number of strokes + time taken to complete the course) |
| Number of clubs | Typically 3-7, but no rule on the maximum number of clubs |
| Dress | Suitable attire for running |
| Start of timing | The moment the player hits their initial shot |
| End of timing | The moment the ball enters the cup on their last hole |
| Interval between players | Regular intervals, e.g. 6 minutes |
| Lowest score | 65 gross and 42.15 seconds (Scott Dawley, US Speedgolf Championships) |
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What You'll Learn
Speed golf is scored by adding the number of strokes to the time taken
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 in speed golf is determined by the lowest combined score. This score is calculated by adding the number of strokes to the time taken to complete the course. For example, if a player shoots a 90 in 45 minutes, their score would be 135. If another player shoots a 93 in 40 minutes, their score would be 133, making them the winner.
Speed golf is played on regular golf courses, and players typically carry 3 to 7 clubs. The timing starts when the player hits their first shot and ends when the ball enters the cup on their last hole. Speed golfers aim to save time by eliminating practice swings and other time-consuming rituals. The length of each hole and the overall course can impact the score, but in competitions, all participants cover the same distance.
The rules of speed golf are similar to traditional golf, with a few exceptions. For instance, players putt with the flagstick placed in the hole, and a ball hit out of bounds or lost is treated as a lateral hazard. Speed golf requires a combination of physical fitness, golfing skills, and strategic decision-making.
The sport has gained popularity and is now played in North America, Europe, and Japan, with major tournaments telecast on channels such as ESPN, CBS, and The Golf Channel. Speed golf tournaments have been held since 1998, and the inaugural Speed Golf World Championships took place in 2012.
Some notable speed golfers include Christopher Smith, who set a Guinness record at the Chicago Speedgolf Classic, and Luke Willett, the reigning British Speedgolf champion. Rob Hogan, a PGA Pro, has also achieved notable success in speed golf, winning the British, French, and US Speedgolf championships.
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The lowest score wins
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 the number of strokes taken plus the time taken to complete the course.
For example, if a player shoots a 90 in 45 minutes, their score is 135. If another player shoots a 93 in 40 minutes, their score is 133, making them the winner. The time is calculated from the moment the player hits their first shot to the moment the ball enters the cup on their last hole.
Speed golf requires a combination of physical fitness and golfing skills, as well as good strategic decision-making. Players aim to save time by eliminating practice swings and other time-consuming rituals. The length of each hole and the overall course can impact the score, but in competition, all participants cover the same distance.
The lowest score in competition was achieved by Australian Mitch Williamson in 2016, who shot a score of 77 in 31 minutes, giving him a Speedgolf score of 108. Other notable scores include Scott Dawley's world-record-setting combined score of 107.15 in the US Speedgolf Championships, and Rob Hogan's score of 109:47 at the 2022 British Speedgolf Championships, breaking the elusive 110 barrier rarely seen in national tournaments.
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The number of clubs is limited to 14 but players usually carry 4-7
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. 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 in minutes. For example, if a player shoots a 90 in 45 minutes, their score would be 135.
The number of clubs that players can carry is typically limited to 14, but most players carry between 4 and 7 clubs. This is a strategic decision, as carrying fewer clubs reduces weight and allows players to run faster. However, carrying fewer clubs also requires players to be more accurate with their shots, as they have fewer club options to choose from.
Some notable speed golf scores include British Champion Luke Willett's score of 71 gross in just over 70 minutes, and Scott Dawley's world-record-setting score of 65 gross in 42.15 seconds for a combined score of 107.15.
The official Guinness record was achieved by Christopher Smith, who shot 65 in 44:06 with six clubs for a speed golf score of 109:06. Speed golf requires substantial physical stamina, and players must make strategic decisions about the number and type of clubs they carry to optimize their performance.
In summary, while the maximum number of clubs allowed in speed golf is 14, players typically carry a smaller number of clubs to balance the weight they carry with the need for a diverse range of club options. The decision of how many clubs to carry is an important strategic choice that can significantly impact a player's performance and overall score.
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Lost balls are dropped on the line of flight with a one-stroke penalty
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 in minutes. For example, a player who shoots a 90 in 45 minutes will have a score of 135.
If a player loses their ball, it is dropped on the line of flight with a one-stroke penalty. This is in contrast to traditional golf, where a lost ball would typically be penalised by having to return to the previous spot and retake the shot, resulting in a loss of time and an additional stroke. In speed golf, the penalty for a lost ball is designed to be quicker and less disruptive to the player's rhythm, while still maintaining the integrity of the game.
The rules for a lost ball in speed golf are designed to strike a balance between fairness and efficiency. While the player does incur a penalty, it is less severe than in traditional golf, recognising the importance of maintaining a swift pace of play in speed golf. This rule also helps to prevent players from intentionally hitting balls out of bounds or losing them to gain an advantage in terms of distance or positioning.
The one-stroke penalty for a lost ball encourages strategic shot-making and accurate ball-striking, as players must consider the risk of losing a ball and incurring a penalty when planning their shots. It adds an extra layer of decision-making and strategy to the game, as players must weigh the potential benefits of a particular shot against the risk of losing a stroke if the ball is lost.
Additionally, the rule regarding lost balls in speed golf helps to ensure that all players are treated equally and that no one gains an unfair advantage due to the loss of a ball. It standardises the procedure for dealing with lost balls, providing a consistent framework for all players to follow, regardless of their skill level or experience with the game. This rule contributes to the overall competitiveness and fairness of speed golf as a sport.
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The sport is played in North America, Europe, and Japan
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 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 and the time taken to complete the course. For example, a player who shoots 90 in 45 minutes would have a speed golf score of 135.
The inaugural Speed Golf World Championships took place in Bandon, Oregon, in October 2012, attracting professionals and amateurs alike. The lowest score in competition was achieved by Mitch Williamson in 2016, who shot a score of 77 in 31 minutes at the Yarra Bend Golf Club in Melbourne, resulting in a speed golf score of 108.
While the rules of speed golf are similar to traditional golf, there are some key differences. Players putt with the flagstick placed in the hole, and a ball hit out of bounds or lost is treated as a lateral hazard. Speed golfers aim to save time by eliminating practice swings and other time-consuming rituals. The length of each hole and the overall course impact the final score, and players typically carry 4-7 clubs to improve their speed.
Speed golf requires a combination of physical fitness, golfing skills, and strategic decision-making. It is a challenging and unique sport that tests both the golfer's skills and endurance.
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Frequently asked questions
Speed golf is scored by combining the time taken to play a round and the total number of shots played. For example, if a player shoots 96 and completes the course in 65.17 minutes, their total speed golf score will be 161.17.
The objective of speed golf is to complete the course in the fewest possible number of strokes. The number of strokes is added to the time taken to complete the course to give the player's speed golf score.
The objective of speed golf is to complete the course in the fastest possible time. The time taken to complete the course is added to the number of strokes taken to give the player's speed golf score.
A good speed golf score is considered to be anything below 110. The lowest score in competition was shot by Australian Mitch Williamson in 2016, who scored 77 in 31 minutes, giving him a speed golf score of 108.
