This Week in Speedgolf | James Hardy shoots 59(!) to win British Champs


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James Hardy stuns Willett to win British Champs

The 2025 British Speedgolf Championships at Sunningdale Heath GC delivered everything fans could ask for: a deep international field, a new two-round cut format, and a nail-biting chase for the crown.

On a tight par-64 layout, the morning wave set the stage. James Hardy (PGA Pro, England) ripped a 59 (-5) in 27:28 for an 86.28 Speedgolf Score, vaulting him into the lead. The top 20 advanced to an afternoon second round, and Hardy carried his advantage into the head-to-head chase.

WATCH: 2025 British Speedgolf Championships Highlights (Britclip)

Meanwhile, Luke Willett—two-time British champion and speedgolf’s marathon man—stayed within striking distance, hoping the endurance factor would kick in. But on this sprint-track of a course, the balance tipped toward the golf game.

When I watch guys like Carl Palmberg and James Hardy shooting under-par golf in elite tournament play, I'm sure I'm not the only one saying "there are too many good golfers getting into this sport!!!"

Luke Willett chasing James Hardy in the afternoon round


Mollard makes history in Women’s division

Emily Mollard won the Women's division with a 64 (E) in 30:51, the only woman to advance to the afternoon round, where she finished 7th overall.

Emily Mollard clutch up-and-down chipping over a fence

Emily Mollard interview holding champagne


A champion’s disbelief

Hardy sealed the deal with an afternoon 91.03, bringing his two-round tally to 177.31—just enough to hold off Willett (179.52) and Amateur standout Adam Harrington (184.32). In his post-round interview, Hardy could hardly believe it: “I have to pinch myself.”

James Hardy interview “I have to pinch myself”


Seniors and Juniors shine

Senior Men: Adam Williams (England) took the title with 64 in 32:53 (96.53). His reflection summed it up: “You need your mental strength.” Adam Williams senior winner interview

Junior: Sebastian Wells (England) posted 72 in 29:47 (101.47), then stunned the field by advancing into the overall top-20 cut—a signal that the next generation is already here. Sebastian Wells interview


What I’m watching

World Champ Jin Ota back in action at the Hokkaido Open

Kyle Cokinos 24 hour golf record – Official Documentary


Upcoming Events

  • On Sep 14, the Oregon Speedgolf Open storms Arrowhead GC (Molalla, OR) — sold-out SGUSA stop with a stacked West Coast field. Speedgolf USA
  • On Sep 24, Master Speedgolf hits Master Golf – Master Course (Espoo, FIN) — par-73, \~8 km run, rolling parkland to forest. Speedgolf Finland
  • On Sep 27, Belgium’s tour rolls into Ternesse Gamp;CC (Wommelgem) — welcoming 9-hole format; perfect gateway into race-pace golf. Golf Belgium
  • On Sep 28, the Lidköping Speedgolf Open returns — 18-hole singles + 9-hole foursome, trialing Rob Hogan’s scoring twist. Speedgolf Sweden
  • On Oct 6, Japan’s Nagoya Bayside Classic lights up Woodfriends Nagoya Port GC — JSGA tour stop with a 40-player cap. Register
  • On Oct 11–12, the U.S. Speedgolf Open crowns champs at Temecula Creek GC (CA) — multi-division slate, $2k purse, ASICS perks. Register
  • On Oct 18–19, the Taranaki Speedgolf Open returns to Manukorihi GC (Waitara, NZ) — two rounds plus sprints and beginner challenges. Event details
  • On Oct 20, Eagle Ridge Speedgolf launches Australia’s 2025/26 season — early ranking points toward the 2026 Worlds squad. Speedgolf Australia

Anything I should’ve mentioned but didn’t? Anything coming up you want to see highlighted?

Hit reply and let me know. I read every message.

Adam

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Adam Lorton

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