Many golfers would love to see the game move a little quicker, but at the 2025 British Speedgolf Championships, supported by The R&A, pace of play was taken to an extraordinary level.
It was a thrilling showcase of this fast-growing sport, with PGA Member James Hardy crowned Overall British Speedgolf Champion and LETAS Tour professional Emily Mollard claiming the Women’s title before making further history by competing head-to-head with the men in the second round.
Hosted for the third consecutive year at the historic Sunningdale Heath Golf Club, the championship attracted a record field of 70 competitors – the largest Speedgolf event in Europe – featuring PGA Professionals, elite amateurs, international players, and rookies taking on their first championship challenge.
Mollard, who has already enjoyed a stellar year winning the European Speedgolf Open and her sixth French Speedgolf title, secured the British Women’s crown in Round 1 ahead of Australia’s Colette Blackstock. Crucially, she also made the new Championship Cut – introduced this year to allow the top 20 players, regardless of gender, age, or professional status, to progress to Round 2 and compete for the overall title. Mollard was the only woman to qualify, eventually finishing an impressive 7th place overall.
The overall title was hotly contested, with James Hardy (PGA) edging out Luke Willett (PGA) by the narrowest of margins. Hardy’s win marks a major milestone as more PGA members continue to embrace Speedgolf as a test of both golf performance and athleticism. What seems extraordinary is that Hardy has only been playing Speedgolf for two months.
He said: “This sport feels like it was made for me! Speedgolf is the future. It promotes faster play, fitness, and community – ticking so many boxes. Golf is evolving, and I believe it won’t be long before clubs start offering Speedgolf tee times.”
The women’s field was equally newsworthy, with several new amateurs stepping onto the Speedgolf stage for the first time. Among them was three-time GB Olympian runner Stephanie Twell, who is just beginning her golf journey.
Diversity was also evident across the Senior and Junior categories, with Adam Williams successfully defending his Senior title and Sebastian Wells excelling in the Junior section, placing 18th overall. International representation was strong, too, with players travelling from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand.
Pam Painter of British Speedgolf commented: “It was amazing to see a Junior, a Senior, and a Woman all make the cut to compete in Round 2 for the overall title. That meant they went head-to-head with PGA Professionals, playing off the same tees in a unique and thrilling contest of pace and performance.”
Played over Sunningdale Heath’s compact par 58, 3,705-yard course, Speedgolf challenges players to balance accuracy and endurance, with scores combining strokes + time. The format eliminates slow play and rewards fitness and composure under pressure, with elite players completing 18 holes in as little as 25 minutes.
As Speedgolf continues to expand worldwide, the success of this year’s championship reflects the sport’s growing appeal across all levels of golf – from professionals and elite amateurs to complete newcomers discovering a fresh way to compete.
Overall Winner (36 Holes)
James Hardy (PGA Member) – GB
Round 1: 59 strokes in 27 minutes and 28 seconds, Round 2: 64 strokes in 27 minutes and 3 seconds.
Runner Up (36 Holes)
Luke Willett (PGA Pro) – GB
Round 1: 67 strokes in 24 minutes and 23 seconds, Round 2: 64 strokes in 24 minutes and 3 seconds.
Women’s Title (18 Holes)
Emily Mollard (LETAS Tour Player) – France
Playing off the same tees as the men, Mollard delivered a superb performance: Round 1: 64 strokes in 30 minutes, 51 seconds, Round 2: 66 strokes in 30 minutes, 27 seconds.
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