The iconic Castlebar Golf Club roared into life last weekend as the Poison Golf SpeedGolf Ireland Open, proudly supported by industry leader Hard Metal, delivered a high-octane spectacle that redefined the sport for players and fans alike.
Hosted on one of Ireland’s most scenic and challenging courses, the event brought together elite global talent and a revolutionary new format, capturing the imagination of record crowds and international media.
Topping the leaderboard in the men’s division was Robin Smith, who clinched victory by less than a minute ahead of Ireland’s own Rob Hogan — a former two-time world champion — and Luke Willett, who shared second place with an identical final score. Smith’s win was made all the more dramatic by his whirlwind 48-hour journey — flying in from New Zealand the night before the event and returning home the following day.
In the women’s division, Bev Fentiman stormed to victory, triumphing in a field that included world-class competitors such as Britta Uschkamp, the reigning Women’s World Time Trial Champion.
The post-event Mass Start World Time Trial was hailed as a ground-breaking addition — a revolutionary new format met with overwhelming enthusiasm and one that may well set a new global standard. Among the standouts was Luke Willett, the current Men’s World Time Trial Champion, whose explosive performance thrilled the galleries.
Two-time world champion and global SpeedGolf ambassador SpeedGolfRob played a central role throughout the weekend, bringing both experience and charisma to a field brimming with talent and international flair.
Two-time World SpeedGolf champion, Rob Hogan
A six-person documentary crew, led by Ben Simms — acclaimed director behind many of Bear Grylls’ adventure series — was on-site filming the first episode of an upcoming SpeedGolf documentary. With Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, Castlebar’s warm community, and a world-class line-up, the setting was picture-perfect.
The event was proudly backed by Hard Metal Machine Tools Ltd, celebrating over 50 years of Irish engineering excellence. Known for precision, endurance, and performance — traits echoed throughout the tournament — Hard Metal’s support helped power this ambitious reimagining of the sport.
Also turning heads was up-and-coming apparel brand Poison Golf, whose bold, athletic designs brought fresh energy to the fairways. The brand’s presence reflects the new face of golf — faster, younger, and unapologetically stylish.
Top Nations
New Zealand – Robin Smith
Ireland – Rob Hogan
England – Luke Willett
With huge crowds, format innovation, and a growing global spotlight, the Poison Golf SpeedGolf Ireland Open has firmly cemented itself as a flagship event on the international SpeedGolf calendar.