Speedgolf: The fast-paced sport combining running with golf
If you thought that golf was a gentle sport, then speedgolf exists to challenge that assumption.
Blending precision with pace, speedgolf sees players score points for both the number of strokes played and the time taken to complete a round – so there’s no ambling here. Instead, speedgolfers run their way around golf courses and get balls in holes as quickly as they can, relying on physical fitness, mental sharpness and a solid level of golfing skill.
The 2024 British Speedgolf Championships were held at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club near Ascot last weekend (15 September), and a little birdie tells us that the 2024 World Speedgolf Championships will also be staged from 13-15 November in Japan. As such, this sport has already taken over hearts and golf courses around the globe – so it’s time for more runners to join (and pick up) the club.
Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know about this running-golf crossover.
What is Speedgolf?
Speedgolf strikes a brilliant balance between running and golf and is, therefore, a dynamic hybrid sport on par with activities like orienteering and even Hyrox.
While the rules of speedgolf are akin to those of traditional golf, speedgolf success lies in completing your round rapidly while still taking as few golf strokes as possible. As mentioned, a speedgolfer scores points for the number of strokes they take and how long they spend on the course, with one stroke and one minute each equating to one point. So, if a speedgolfer takes 80 strokes on a golf course in a time of 45 minutes and 30 seconds, their final speedgolf score would be 125:30.
What is the format of the British Speedgolf Championships?
At the British Speedgolf Championships, players must complete 18 holes while running between each, making for a different kind of interval workout that you wouldn’t do on a conventional running track. The competitors set off individually, every four minutes, and include elites, amateurs and adaptive players across all age groups and genders.
The top-tier players then go on to vie for the overall British Speedgolf Championships title, which sees them play another round to complete a total of 36 holes – and, of course, double the running distance. If they take too many strokes or too much time on the course, they could find themselves in a rough situation, out of contention.
This year’s winner was 33-year-old amateur Will Major, who racked up a final speedgolf score of 187:57. He ran the 18-hole course in a super-swift time of 26:54 in the first round, then 27:03 in the second.
Where can I play Speedgolf?
Speedgolf takes place at regular golf clubs, although you’ll need to check that your nearby club is happy to support this fast-moving format. Since it is difficult to host regular golfers and speedgolfers on the same course at the same time, many golf clubs now offer dedicated speedgolf slots at off-peak times, such as early in the morning at first tee when the course is clear and you have full reign to run hard.
What kit do I need for Speedgolf?
Just the like sport itself, the kit you need is a hybrid get-up. While most golf clubs will expect you to wear traditional golf polo shirts and trousers or shorts, you’ll do well to get hold of clothing that is breathable, lightweight and wicks away sweat easily, so you can still run in comfort. As for footwear, you should not wear spiked golf shoes. Rather, opt for running shoes that are supportive, stable and suited to the course conditions – a fast trail running shoe could serve you well.
And let’s not forget the golf clubs. Unlike regular golf, where players can carry up to 14 clubs in carry bags, speedgolfers usually carry just four to a maximum of seven clubs of different types so they can stay nimble while running between each hole.
Finally, you can’t cheat your way around a course in a golf buggy!
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