36 SPORT
36 SPORT
Speed Golf
Fast . Fun . Affordable . Fitness .
STORY & BY SUSIE WILLIAMS
Love golf but cannot justify the time for a full round of 18 holes ? Love running , but cannot get motivated ? Want to get through 18 holes of golf in 40-60 minutes ? Then speed golf is the sport for you !
A twist to regular golf , speed golf has arrived in Marlborough . The Keneperu sounds in fact . Nopera Bay Golf Club is introducing speed golf to their inclusion of activities at their community club . I was invited to watch the practice run , in readiness for the club open day to speed golf October 21 .
A beautiful drive just to get to Te Mahia wharf , then collected by boat and ferried across the Keneperu Sounds to Nopera bay golf club . Not a bad way to start a Sunday morning of golf .
Running against the clock , golfers run between each shot , making this a fun twist to regular golf , and much quicker than Ambrose , with a great cardio workout . Players must carry their own clubs and are allowed a maximum of 7 clubs . A Speedgolf score shall be determined by adding the total number of strokes taken to the total number of minutes required to complete the round . Therefore , it is important to still score your shots while running at a quick pace . Speed golf is for players , enthusiasts and runners of all ages , abilities and fitness levels .
Speedgolf is believed to have started in the 1970 ’ s when a handful of golfers began setting and chasing world records . The sport gained some notoriety in 1979 when former American record holder in the mile , Steve Scott , sped to an 18 hole time of 29 minutes , 30 seconds scoring a 95 . In the 1990 ’ s an organisation called International Speedgolf Association put on several tournaments . In 2002 Speedgolf International was formed .
The New Zealand Speedgolf Open has been hosted in Rotorua for the past four seasons since the sport was introduced in New Zealand in 2015 . It is usually held the last weekend in March . This year the competition comprised of 39 players made up of Kiwi ’ s , Aussies and Americans .
Nopera Bay Golf Course doesn ' t just cater for the golfing enthusiasts , the club house is the hub of this local community . There is a croquet green at the front of the club house , Petanque , Pilates and Yoga making this the sporting hub for the Keneperu Sounds for both locals and visitors alike . With sensational sea and countryside views along with its relaxed country atmosphere , it is not surprising this is the hub of the local community .
Do yourself a favour , head out to the Speed Golf open day on October 21 . Check out this new-to-Marlborough sport and soak up this special place and it ' s wonderful people .
Clarke Construction NOPERA BAY MARLBOROUGH SPEEDGOLF OPEN
INAUGURAL – FIRST ONE TO BE HELD IN MARLBOROUGH / TASMAN
Sunday , 21st October 2018 ( Labour Weekend )
10.30 onwards
For further information and entry forms email noperagolf @ gmail . com . Entries close Sunday , 14th October .
HOW TO GET THERE : Drive to Te Mahia and then 5 minute boat ride across to the course . Drive – 2.5 hours from Blenheim . Email noperagolf @ gmail . com for assistance .
MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS ACCOMMODATION
& PROUD SPONSOR OF THE NOPERA BAY GOLF CLUB
AWARD-WINNING LODGE WITH GOOD OLD-FASHIONED NZ HOSPITALITY
Set on the water ’ s edge of the Kenepuru Sound , surrounded by native forest and turquoise waters , Hopewell is the perfect retreat for relaxing as well as providing a wide range of activities during your stay .
PHONE : 03 5734341 • EMAIL : STAY @ HOPEWELL . CO . NZ • WWW . HOPEWELL . CO . NZ