Speedgolf: Olympic medallist takes swing

SPEEDGOLF: Olympic silver medallist Nick Willis is a contender to win the inaugural New Zealand Speedgolf Open in Rotorua. He is pictured at the world champs in the US. PHOTO/SUPPLIED 190215NICK

Rotorua's Landyn Edwards is hoping he can fly the flag for his hometown when he competes against top athletes at the inaugural New Zealand Speedgolf Open.

The unique event is being held at the Rotorua Golf Club tomorrow and Sunday.

The aim of the sport is to play a full round of golf with the lowest possible score and time. Your overall score is the sum of the total amount of shots you take and time (in minutes). For example, if you shoot 90 in 62 minutes your score will be 152.

Twenty-five people have registered to take part, including elite runners and top golfers, like Edwards.

One of the top players in the field this weekend is Olympic 1500m silver medallist Nick Willis, who has attended the Speedgolf World Championships in the past.

Edwards said he had never played speedgolf before but was looking forward to playing in the tournament.

Edwards is one of Rotorua's top amateur golfers and has won the Rotorua Open twice (2010 and 2014) and the Danny Lee Springfield Open twice (2012 and 2014).

"I hope to do Rotorua proud," he said.

"I've heard speedgolf is quite difficult but I'm looking for a bit of a challenge and I'm willing to give it a crack."

Destination Rotorua major events co-ordinator Jason Cameron said it was great to hold the open at one of the most scenic and unique golf courses in the world. Up for grabs is $3000 in prizes and giveaways.

Cameron encouraged the public to head down to the course for a look.

"There's a lot of intrigue as to who is going to win - will it be an athlete or a golfer of note? Can Nick Willis reproduce the form that placed him 13th in the Speedgolf World Champs in 2013 to win the NZ title?"

A qualifying round is being played tomorrow with the top half of the field progressing to the top-flight final on Sunday, starting about noon.