Harper Lin
Speed golf is a variation of golf that combines the elements of running and golf. The aim is to complete the course in the fewest shots and the fastest time possible. The winner is determined by the lowest combined score of the number of strokes taken and the time taken to complete the course. The sport is played in North America, Europe, and Japan, and the International Speedgolf Alliance (ISGA) serves as the global governing body for the sport. Speed golf is played on regular golf courses, and players typically carry 3-7 clubs and wear suitable attire for running.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A variation of golf that combines the elements of running and golf. |
| Objective | 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 typically carry 3-7 clubs, but there is no rule on how many clubs a player is allowed to bring. |
| Dress | Players wear attire suitable for running. |
| Course | Played on regular golf courses. |
| Timing | Timing starts when the player hits their first shot and ends when the ball enters the cup on their last hole. |
| Intervals | In competition, players head off at regular intervals, such as 6 minutes. |
| Rules | Essentially the same as regular golf, with some differences, such as putting with the flag-stick placed in the hole. |
| Strategy | Players aim to save time by eliminating practice swings and other time-consuming rituals. |
| Hole and Course Length | Make a difference to the overall score. |
| Tournaments | The oldest known speed golf tournament is the Bob-n-Broc', held in Minneapolis since 1998. The Speed Golf World Championships were inaugurated in 2012. |
| Organisations | The International Speedgolf Alliance (ISGA) is the global governing body for the sport. National organisations include the US, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Finland, France, Sweden, Ireland, and Belgium. |
| Similar Sports | Cross-country BigBall, Speed Disc Golf, Beach Golf, and Urban Golf. |
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What You'll Learn
Rules and scoring
Speed golf is a variation of golf that combines the elements of running and golf. The rules of speed golf are essentially the same as regular golf, with only a few differences. The aim is to complete the course in the fewest possible strokes and the fastest time possible.
- Speed golf is played on regular golf courses, though it is important that the path ahead is clear.
- The timing starts when the player hits their first shot and ends when the ball enters the cup on their last hole.
- 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, a player who shoots a 90 in 45 minutes will have a score of 135.
- There is no rule about how many clubs a player is allowed to bring, aside from the normal 14-club maximum. However, players typically carry 3-7 clubs.
- Players putt with the flagstick placed in the hole.
- For a ball hit out of bounds or lost, players are permitted to play it like a lateral hazard.
- Players can save time by eliminating practice swings and other time-consuming rituals.
- The length of each hole and the course overall make a difference to the overall score, though in competition all participants cover the same distance.
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History of the sport
Speed golf is a variation of golf that combines running and golf. The aim is to complete a course in the fewest strokes and the fastest time possible. The winner is determined by the lowest combined score of the number of strokes taken and the time taken to complete the course.
Speed golf was believed to have started in 1979 in California when former American record holder in the mile, 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 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.
Throughout the 1990s, Oregonians and speed golfers Tim Scott (a former teaching pro turned school teacher), Christopher Smith, and Jim Kos worked to promote the sport. The oldest known speed golf tournament is the Bob-n-Broc', held each September in Minneapolis since 1998. Throughout the 2000s, various competitions were held throughout the United States, many of which took place at Bandon Dunes in Bandon, Oregon.
In 2012, the inaugural Speed Golf World Championships were held at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon. The event featured a Pro/Elite division with 15 professionals competing for a $50,000 purse, as well as an amateur division with 45 competitors across various age groups. The sport has continued to grow in popularity, with major tournaments now being telecast by channels such as ESPN, CBS, and The Golf Channel.
Since 2018, the International Speedgolf Alliance (ISGA) has served as the global governing body for the sport. Founded by Scott Dawley, who holds the world record in the sport, the ISGA coordinates international efforts to promote and standardize speed golf. The ISGA included national Speedgolf organizations from the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom at its inception, with Finland, France, Sweden, Ireland, and Belgium joining in subsequent years.
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Tournaments and competitions
Speed golf is a variation of golf that combines 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 of the number of strokes taken and the time taken to complete the course.
The sport is played in North America, Europe, and Japan, with major tournaments telecasted by channels like ESPN, CBS, and The Golf Channel. The International Speedgolf Alliance (ISGA) is the global governing body for the sport and was founded by Scott Dawley, who also holds the world record for the lowest combined score in speed golf. The ISGA includes national Speedgolf organizations from the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Finland, France, Sweden, Ireland, and Belgium.
The oldest known speed golf tournament is the Bob-n-Broc', held annually in Minneapolis since 1998. The Speed Golf World Championships were inaugurated in 2012 and took place at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon. The event featured a Pro/Elite division with a $50,000 purse, as well as an amateur division with various age groups.
British Champion Luke Willett recorded a combined score of 236.16 in two rounds, with the first round being a score of 114.59 (37 minutes and 59 seconds, plus a 77 gross) and the second round a score of 121.57 (39 minutes and 57 seconds with a gross of 82).
Australian Mitch Williamson shot a score of 77 in 31 minutes at the Yarra Bend Golf Club in Melbourne in 2016, giving him a Speedgolf score of 108, the lowest competition score at the time.
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Similar sports
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 of the number of strokes taken and the time taken to complete the course.
Cross-Country Big Ball
This sport involves hitting a soccer ball with a baseball bat over cross-country terrain towards a goal. The course and goals are chosen by the participants, and the etiquette varies depending on the terrain. Like speed golf, it requires substantial physical stamina.
Speed Disc Golf
As the name suggests, this sport is similar in concept and rules to speed golf. It involves throwing a frisbee around a course and finishing by throwing it into a chain basket as the hole.
Beach Golf
Beach golf is a simplified version of golf played on sand with a polyurethane foam ball. It does not require as much physical stamina as speed golf but involves similar skills and strategic decision-making.
Urban Golf
This variation of golf is played in urban spaces with free space and not many people around. It can be played with modified rules to fit the environment, such as eliminating practice swings to save time, similar to speed golf.
FlingGolf
FlingGolf is a new sport that uses a single "club," the FlingStick, to hit the golf ball. It is played on any golf course and is very similar to traditional golf, but with simplified rules. FlingGolfers tend to play faster than traditional golfers, especially beginners, as there are no practice swings.
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Tips for beginners
Speed golf is a variation of golf that combines running and golfing skills. The aim is to complete the course in the fewest strokes and the fastest time possible. The winner is determined by the lowest combined score of the number of strokes and the time taken.
- The sport requires a combination of physical fitness and golfing skills. It is important to find the right balance between your pace and your focus on golf shots. You don't have to run, but a jog is a good pace to aim for, as it will likely allow you to play better golf.
- You can carry as many clubs as you like, but typically players carry between 3 and 7.
- You can take practice swings, but remember that time is a factor in the game. Eliminating time-consuming rituals can help improve your score.
- The length of each hole and the course overall will make a difference to the overall score, so be mindful of the course layout and try to make good strategic decisions.
- You can wear running attire, and suitable footwear for running.
- In competition, players tee off at regular intervals, such as 6 minutes apart.
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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 shots and the fastest time possible.
The rules of speed golf are essentially the same as regular golf, with only a few differences. Players putt with the flag-stick placed in the hole and are permitted to play a ball hit out of bounds or lost like a lateral hazard. Players wear suitable attire for running and carry a limited set of clubs, typically three or four.
Your Speedgolf score is calculated by combining the time it has taken you to play your round and the total number of shots you have played. For example, if you shoot 96 and complete 18 holes in 65.17 minutes, your total Speedgolf score will be 161.17.
Speed golf is played on regular golf courses, though it is important that the path ahead is 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.
