Why Did "Speedgolf" Capture Our Hearts?

The first-ever "Speedgolf World Championships" held in Japan took place from November 14th to 15th at the Seven Hundred Club in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture. Combining running and golf, Speedgolf isn’t a sport most people would casually decide to try. As a result, the number of participants in Japan remains modest, numbering only in the hundreds. Initially, even the staff of GDO, who supported the event as sponsors through the Japan Speedgolf Association, might have thought of it as a quirky hobby for a select few. However, by the end of the event, their impressions had completely transformed.

The first surprise came as we welcomed 80 competitors from 13 countries around the globe. Their physiques were striking — many of them lean and athletic, resembling track athletes or rugby players. It was refreshing to see such healthy, toned bodies, a rarity on the typical golf course.

Valérie Texier, president of Speedgolf France, shared her perspective: “Twenty percent of our members are women. Even busy mothers can complete 18 holes in just one hour with Speedgolf. It’s healthy, fulfilling, and free of the frustrations that regular golf sometimes brings. It’s an incredibly attractive sport for women.” To make the sport more approachable, they sometimes host events under the slogan "Play against the clock" encouraging participants to walk briskly instead of running.

Once a player tees off, they sprint to their ball, hit it without a practice swing, and continue running. On the green, they swiftly judge the line and deliver their putts with fluid precision. Every movement flows seamlessly, creating an enthralling rhythm that captivates spectators.

Players completing 18 holes in just about an hour (while playing golf, no less!) barely had time to catch their breath before moving on to the scoring process. During the tournament, staff were stationed at each hole to record scores reported by the players after finishing each hole. These were then cross-checked with the players' memory — most did not keep written notes — for official record keeping.

One staff member recalled, “The players who just finished their round, having given their all, displayed both exhaustion and a sense of accomplishment on their faces. Despite their fatigue, they were meticulous about verifying their scores, showcasing their dedication to the sport. Witnessing their passion was truly moving.”

The camaraderie among participants — a unique trait of niche sports with smaller communities — was equally heartwarming. Participants and staff cheered as players teed off, clapped and shouted words of encouragement as they passed each other at the halfway point and exchanged smiles and congratulations after finishing. Luke Willett, a Guinness World Record holder for “fastest 9-hole round of golf” shared, “What’s most rewarding about Speedgolf is the feeling of accomplishment you get after completing 18 holes, regardless of the outcome.” Whether you succeed or struggle, taking part in Speedgolf gives you a shared sense of achievement and connection that transcends scores or times.

After the tournament concluded, and while preparations for the awards ceremony were underway, many international players voluntarily returned to the course to repair pitch marks on the greens — a task they had been too rushed to handle during play. This was not something they were instructed to do; it came entirely from their own sense of responsibility. Many competitors also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the event staff, repeatedly thanking them for their support. Even without a shared language, their gestures and expressions conveyed their appreciation with unmistakable clarity.

In the extraordinary world of Speedgolf, we rediscovered something often overlooked in daily life — a genuine and unpretentious appreciation for the game, the courses, and the people who make it possible. The entitlement often associated with sports — such as the notion that paying fees guarantees flawless service — was absent here. Instead, what we saw was a pure gratitude for the opportunity to do what they love.

This world championship was a vivid reminder that nothing in life should be taken for granted. While Speedgolf may still be a niche sport with limited players, being part of this expanding community filled us with immense pride and joy.

The End