Cregmore Park’s Hogan crowned speedgolf world champion

An Irishman was crowned world Speedgolf professional champion on Sunday at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon.

Rob Hogan, originally from Wicklow but currently based in Galway where he runs a golf academy at Cregmore Park GC, claimed the $15,000 (€10,878) top prize and another $2,000 (€1,450) in bonuses for recording the fastest time on both days.

The aim of Speedgolf is to play a round of golf with the lowest number of strokes and in the fastest time. Hogan claimed the 36-hole world championship by shooting a six-over-par 77 on the Old MacDonald course in 39 minutes and following it up with a seven-over-par 79 in 41 minutes.

“I read about it first in 2008 and did a charity exhibition in Bray and Foxrock that year,” he said yesterday. “This year a professional tour was founded and there have been four events so far where I’ve won two and finished second in another.”

The format suits his game as he rarely spends time over shots.

“I’ve always played fast so I like the game. There’s no time for a practice swing you just run up to your ball and hit it.”

There’s no caddy either so along with running the course, golfers also carry a specially-designed bag with just six clubs to choose from.

What made the feat all the more remarkable was the competitors he found himself up against. Joining the professional golfers in the field were 2007 1500m and 5,000m world champion Bernard Lagat and New Zealand’s Nick Willis, silver medallist in the 1500m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“My training consists of a lot of focus on running in the pre-season but you’ve also got to concentrate on golf too,” said Hogan.

“Thankfully I receive a lot of support from Cregmore Park and I had a very good friend, Rob Hurley, out here in Oregon supporting me.”