Golf: Olympian sets the pace for speedgolf tournament

SPOKESMAN: Olympic silver medallist Nick Willis is fronting the first New Zealand Speedgolf Open at the Rotorua Golf Club in February. PHOTO/FILE

The Rotorua Golf club is gearing up to host the first New Zealand Speedgolf Open on February 21-22.

The event, which involves playing a round of golf in the lowest possible sum of strokes and time, will be fronted by Olympic 1500m silver medallist Nick Willis, and is open to all comers.

Jason Cameron from Destination Rotorua said the team was excited to bring New Zealand's first major Speedgolf event to Rotorua and is hoping to announce some more big names for the draw in the coming weeks.

"It's going to be a fun, social weekend and an absolute steal with participants getting two days of golf, some freebies and going in to a prize draw for only $95. I can't wait to see how the average Joe can step up against an Olympian like Nick," he said.

On Saturday, February 21 participants will hear tips from the experts before heading in to qualifying rounds. Sunday morning will give the stragglers a shot at redemption before the showdown later in the day for a spot in the Speedgolf World Championships being held in Oregon, US next year.

Willis is excited to be headlining the event.

"Speedgolf has become a great passion of mine," he told the Rotorua Daily Post.

"It enables me to get out on to the links, for nine or 18 holes, without me being away from home for more than an hour.

"It's also a great workout that complements my running training and helps keep me fit in the off season when I need a mental break from athletics.

"I'm really excited for the New Zealand Speedgolf Open in Rotorua to showcase this great sport to all the talented jack-of-all-trades sports people we have in our country."

Speedgolf is the brainchild of fellow 1500m silver medallist, Steve Scott of the US. It counts the total number of shots combined with the number of minutes taken to complete the course.

Entry into the event costs $95 for two days golf, a souvenir polo shirt, refreshments and the chance to win prizes and give-aways. To enter visit www.golf.co.nz by Friday, February 13.