What do you get when you cross running with golf?

How does your running handicap compare with your golf handicap? Perhaps you could be the ideal candidate for Speedgolf - a sport that combines running and golf.

Speedgolf is, fundamentally, the same as normal golf with a few subtle rule changes. For example, you are only allowed up to seven clubs - not 14, as in normal golf, and you run between shots.

Your score is the total of your golf shots and your time to complete the course in minutes. As a runner, you could be a great success at Speedgolf, as long as your golfing skills are up to scratch!

Pictured is our very own, Tim Grose (running handicap 1.7; golf handicap 10.7), who heads up the runbritain handicap scoring system. Tim won the novice category in the British Open Championships last year and took 53 minutes to run the course with 92 shots.

The world's top exponent at the moment is Rob Hogan, from Ireland. He went round the same course in just 34 minutes! As runners, we must remember that the time to run the course is not just a function of how quick you are but how straight you hit the ball and so golfing skill and running fitness are both important for success!

 

Nick Willis (estimated running handicap of -7.0), who won the bronze medal for 1500m at this year's Olympic Games, has competed at the World Speedgolf Championships. Below are two podcasts - in the first, Nick tells of his discovery of Speedgolf and, in the second, he talks about his experience at the World Speedgolf Championships.

Fancy your chances? Check out britishspeedgolf.co.uk