Irish Speed Golf Open returns to Mayo club
THE fourth annual Irish Speed Golf Open, supported by Hard Metal Machine Tools, is set to return to Castlebar Golf Club on August 2 and 3.
This year’s event will also feature the inaugural POP Golf World Championships and GolfTT World Championships, marking a new era in the evolution of this exciting sport.
The event aims to create a friendly and fun environment, encouraging both newcomers and seasoned players to participate. Organisers are encouraging golfers from around the country to sign up to the open section and experience the fun and camaraderie the sport offers alongside international competitors who are part of the speed golf circuit from across the globe.
Rob Hogan, organiser and two-time world champion, said: “Speed golf is a sport that combines the precision of golf with the intensity of running, creating a unique and exhilarating experience. It's about pushing your limits and finding that perfect balance between speed and skill.
“I encourage everyone to come out and give it a try - it’s an adventure like no other. Who knows, one of the newcomers trying for the first time might shock the seasoned participants and take the title!”
Speedgolf is set to get a shakeup this year as organiser Rob endeavours to tempt golf centric players on day one and running centric players on day two. Players are permitted to also play on just one of the days and focus their efforts on one of the events.
Event highlights:
Day 1: The POP Golf World Championships will see players compete in groups of 2 or 3, aiming to complete 18 holes in less than 1 hour and 45 minutes The player with the lowest golf score will be crowned the POP Golf World Champion. Categories include women's, men's, seniors, and more.
Day 2: The GolfTT World Championships will challenge players to complete the course as quickly as possible while adhering to the rules of golf. The player with the lowest combined score will earn the title of GolfTT World Champion. Junior Speedgolf enthusiasts will also have their chance to shine on Day 2.
Speed Golf Irish Open Champions will be determined by the lowest total of their Day 1 golf score and their Day 2 time in minutes. For instance, a score of 70 on the first day and a Time Trial score of 40 minutes on the second day would result in a Speed Golf score of 110. Multiple categories ensure inclusivity across different age groups and skill levels.
There will be a barbcue and wrap party on Saturday evening to celebrate the achievements of all participants.
Garry Daly, captain Castlebar Golf Club, said: “We are excited and honoured to be chosen to host the Irish Speedgolf Open for the second year running. We look forward to once again welcome participants from all over Ireland and across the world to our superb golf course. We also look forward to demonstrating our hospitality to all spectators that arrive over the weekend.
“Those that visited last year to watch this incredible sport had a fantastic time and we hope that more will come along in August and enjoy a great few hours of entertainment and fun for anyone interested in all things golf.”
Thomas Kelly, sponsor, Hard Metal Machine Tools, said: "We are delighted to sponsor the Irish Speedgolf Open at Castlebar Golf Club. Speedgolf blends the precision of golf with the agility of running, aligning perfectly with our commitment to engineering excellence. We wish all the participants the best of luck and eagerly anticipate some remarkable performances.”
There is still room for a title sponsor for both the POP Golf World Championships and the GolfTT World Championships. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the event organisers for more information – see https://www.speedgolf.ie.