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 in 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. The sport is played in North America, Europe, and Japan, and major tournaments are telecast by channels such as ESPN, CBS, and The Golf Channel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A variation of golf that combines the elements of running and golf |
| Objective | To complete the course in the fewest possible number of strokes and the fastest time possible |
| Winner | Determined by the lowest combined score - the number of strokes taken plus the time taken to complete the course |
| Clubs | Players carry a limited set of clubs, typically three or four, but there is no rule about how many clubs a player is allowed to bring |
| Clothing | Players wear suitable attire for running |
| Course | Played on regular golf courses |
| Timing | Starts the moment the player hits their initial shot until the moment the ball enters the cup on their last hole |
| Intervals | In competition, players head off at regular intervals like 6 minutes |
| Rules | Essentially the same as regular golf, with only a few differences |
| Rule differences | Putt with the flag-stick placed in the hole; for a ball hit out of bounds or lost, players are permitted to play it like a lateral hazard |
| Tournaments | The oldest known speed golf tournament is the Bob-n-Broc', held each September in Minneapolis since 1998 |
| World Championships | Inaugurated in 2012 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon |
| Global governing body | International Speedgolf Alliance (ISGA) |
| Countries played in | North America, Europe, and Japan |
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Rules and scoring
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—the number of strokes taken plus the time taken to complete the course.
The rules of speed golf are similar to regular golf, with only a few differences. Here are the key rules and scoring guidelines for speed golf:
- Players putt with the flagstick placed in the hole.
- For a ball hit out of bounds or lost, players treat it as a lateral hazard and play it accordingly.
- Players typically carry a limited number of clubs, usually three to seven, but there is no rule on the maximum number of clubs allowed.
- Players wear attire suitable for running and carry their clubs as they move quickly between shots.
- Timing starts when the player hits their first shot and ends when the ball enters the cup on the last hole.
- The length of each hole and the overall course impact the score.
- In competitions, all participants cover the same distance, and players start at regular intervals, such as six minutes apart.
- A successful player needs a combination of physical fitness, golfing skills, and good strategic decision-making.
- To save time, players eliminate practice swings and other time-consuming rituals.
The scoring in speed golf is determined by adding the number of strokes to the time taken to complete the course. For example, if a player takes 90 strokes and completes the course in 45 minutes, their score is 135. The player with the lowest combined score wins.
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History
Speedgolf is a fast-paced and fitness-oriented variant of traditional golf. It is believed to have originated in California in 1979 when former American record holder Steve Scott ran around a golf course in 29 minutes and 33 seconds, shooting a 95 with just a 3-iron. Following Scott's feat, the sport gained a prominent early practitioner in former Ironman triathlete and teaching pro Jay Larson, who became the dominant speed golfer of the 1990s.
Towards the end of that decade, Oregonians Tim Scott, Christopher Smith, and Jim Kosciolek founded Speed Golf International to promote the sport. Since then, speedgolf has spread across the world, with competitions now held in North America, Europe, and Japan. The sport's first world championship was held in October 2012 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon, with a $50,000 purse.
In the years since, speedgolf has continued to grow in popularity, with national organisations dedicated to the sport now existing in the US, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. The International Speedgolf Alliance (ISGA), founded in 2018, now serves as the global governing body for the sport.
The current speedgolf format of "time + score" was devised by PGA Professional John Bell in the 1980s. The sport has been promoted heavily by two-time Speedgolf World Champion Robert Hogan, who published a book in 2023, *SpeedGolf: A Brief History of Time + Score*, which traces the history of the sport from 1931 to 2012.
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Tournaments and competitions
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—the number of strokes taken plus the time taken to complete the course.
The oldest known speedgolf tournament is the Bob-n-Broc, held annually in September in Minneapolis since 1998. The inaugural Speed Golf World Championships took place in October 2012 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon, with a $50,000 purse for the 15 professionals competing in the Pro/Elite division. There was also a one-day competition for amateurs, featuring various age groups.
Throughout the 2000s, several speedgolf competitions were held across the United States, with many taking place at Bandon Dunes in Oregon. The sport has since expanded globally, with tournaments and major competitions held in North America, Europe, and Japan. These events are telecast on channels such as ESPN, CBS, and The Golf Channel.
The Eastern Speedgolf Open, held in Powhatan, Virginia, in 2013, offered a $35,000 purse for professional competitors. This event was preceded by a First Tee competition and an amateur tournament.
The official Guinness World Record was achieved by professional Christopher Smith at the Chicago Speedgolf Classic in 2005. Smith shot a 65 in 44 minutes and 6 seconds, carrying six clubs for a speed golf score of 109:06.
The British Speedgolf Championship has also witnessed history, with amputee Scott Richardson participating in a tournament held at a parkland golf resort near Wallingford in Oxfordshire.
The International Speedgolf Alliance (ISGA) has been the global governing body for speedgolf since 2018, founded by Scott Dawley. The ISGA includes national Speedgolf organizations from the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom, Finland, France, Sweden, Ireland, and Belgium.
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Similar sports
Speed golf, also known as extreme golf, fast golf, fitness golf, and hit-and-run golf, is a variation of golf that scores on both the strokes played and the time taken to complete the round. It is a sport that requires speed and athleticism.
FootGolf
FootGolf is a combination of golf and football, where players use football skills to kick a soccer ball into a hole. It is played on a regular golf course, and players run and kick the ball, although most courses only dedicate a few holes to FootGolf. The American FootGolf League is the governing body for the sport in the United States.
Golf Croquet
Golf Croquet is a popular form of croquet where each player takes a stroke in turn, trying to hit a ball through the same hoop. It is similar to golf in that it involves hitting a ball towards a target.
Disc Golf
Disc Golf is played by throwing a disc, or Frisbee, at a target. The objective is to complete the course in the fewest possible throws, similar to the aim of golf.
Pitch and Putt
Pitch and Putt is a variation of golf played on courses with very short holes, typically less than 80 yards long. Only a pitch and a putt are required to complete each hole.
Long Drive
Long Drive is a golf-based activity where players compete to hit the ball the farthest. It focuses on one aspect of golf, similar to Speed Frame Golf's focus on completing the course quickly.
Tennis
Tennis involves rotational movements of the forehand and backhand, which can help enhance the golf swing and strengthen the muscles needed for speed and deceleration.
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Equipment
Speed golf is a variation of golf that combines running and golfing skills. 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 to the time taken to complete the course.
The equipment used in speed golf is similar to that of traditional golf, with a few key differences. Here are the main types of equipment used in speed golf:
Golf Clubs: Speed golfers typically carry a limited number of clubs, usually between three and seven, to save weight and increase speed. There is no rule on how many clubs a player can bring, except for the normal 14-club maximum. Speed golfers may use lightweight golf clubs to reduce fatigue and increase swing speed.
Golf Balls: Standard golf balls are used in speed golf. However, speed golfers may focus on increasing their swing speed to hit the ball farther and reduce the number of strokes on the course.
Golf Bag: Speed golfers typically use lightweight golf bags to carry their clubs and other equipment. The bag should be comfortable to carry while running and may have features such as padded straps and breathable fabric.
Golf Shoes: Speed golfers require suitable footwear for running between shots. Golf shoes with spikes or cleats may be worn, but some players may opt for lightweight running shoes to increase speed and comfort.
Training Aids: Speed golfers may use various training aids to improve their performance. This includes swing speed training systems, such as the SuperSpeed Golf Training System, which helps golfers increase their swing speed and distance. Other training aids may include speed tracking devices, mobile applications, and custom club fittings.
Clothing: Players wear attire suitable for running, such as lightweight and breathable clothing. This may include technical fabrics that wick away sweat and help regulate body temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
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 strokes and the fastest time.
The rules of speed golf are the same as regular golf, with some differences. Players putt with the flag-stick placed in the hole, and for a ball hit out of bounds or lost, players can play it like a lateral hazard. Players aim to save time by eliminating practice swings and other time-consuming rituals.
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.
Speed golf is played on regular golf courses, with the path ahead clear. The sport is played in North America, Europe, and Japan, with major tournaments telecast by channels such as ESPN, CBS, and The Golf Channel.
