GreenRunner - 18 holes in under 80 minutes

GreenRunner has been launched to allow people to keep playing golf despite modern day time pressues.  Green runner also aims to appeal to a golf audience beyond the typical 30-50 year old male golfer. We know that the time taken to play a round, combined with course accessibility and struggling to secure the time needed to play are both barriers to playing and also the biggest causes of falling participation. Speedgolf is a potential solution to those problems, helping golfers keep their eye in in between "normal" rounds with the chance to get a little bit fitter.

To play, however you need a clear course, other than other "GreenRunners" on the course. That's where the GreenRunner team come into their own, working with local clubs to ensure a clear course is available as well as providing the  timing and scoring. GreenRunner's sessions will take place in the late afternoon and evening with tee times all the way up until sunset at a time that is much more convenient for people's working and family lives.

Speedgolf combines running and golf allowing you to play 18 holes in under 80 minutes, or 9 holes in under 40 minutes. You tee off as an individual, 4 minutes apart from the next speedgolf. You run in between each shot, but unlike a 5k or 10k run, it's a series of shuttle runs (220 yds, 150 yds, 50 yds) whilst carrying a lightweight golf bag, a maximum of 7 clubs, plus ball and tees.

Ultimately your challenge is about achieving the best speedgolf score for both your running and golfing ability. The score is the combination of your total shots and total time. A score of 85 shots in 75minutes and 13 seconds equals a speedgolf score of 160.13. Being a good runner means nothing if you can’t keep your golf ball out of the trees and the rough. Being a great golfer is irrelevant if you’re not running at the right pace. Too fast and you’ll be blowing too hard when you reach your ball to play your shot. Too slow, and your score will be ticking every upwards as time lapses.

So you always need to be thinking ahead. The golfer in you will need to consider: How many clubs will I need to carry to cover my options, do I take on a tough shot to save time or risk adding shots and time? The runner in you needs to think about the route and your pace: what’s the most direct route to my ball, where should I leave my bag in relation to the green and the next tee, do I need to up my pace or do I risk running out of steam?

The first GreenRunner speedgolf sessions take place on 28th May and 18th June at Laleham Golf Club, Chertsey, www.GreenRunner.club will tell you more and you can book a tee time by emailing [email protected] stating your tee time and number of holes you want to play. Further locations are going to be provided in the South East over the coming months with a national roll out in 2016.