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This Week in Speedgolf » Roundup

James Hardy shoots 59(!) to win British Champs

Adam Lorton

Adam Lorton

Traverse City, MI · Issue №19 · Sep 12, 2025

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Here’s what’s happening in speedgolf this week.

» James Hardy stuns Willett to win British Champs

The 2025 British Speedgolf Championships at Sunningdale Heath GC delivered everything fans could ask for: a deep international field, a new two-round cut format, and a nail-biting chase for the crown.

On a tight par-64 layout, the morning wave set the stage. James Hardy (PGA Pro, England) ripped a 59 (-5) in 27:28 for an 86.28 Speedgolf Score, vaulting him into the lead. The top 20 advanced to an afternoon second round, and Hardy carried his advantage into the head-to-head chase.

​WATCH: 2025 British Speedgolf Championships Highlights (Britclip)​

Meanwhile, Luke Willett—two-time British champion and speedgolf’s marathon man—stayed within striking distance, hoping the endurance factor would kick in. But on this sprint-track of a course, the balance tipped toward the golf game.

When I watch guys like Carl Palmberg and James Hardy shooting under-par golf in elite tournament play, I’m sure I’m not the only one saying “there are too many good golfers getting into this sport!!!”

​Luke Willett chasing James Hardy in the afternoon round​

Mollard makes history in Women’s division

Emily Mollard won the Women’s division with a 64 (E) in 30:51, the only woman to advance to the afternoon round, where she finished 7th overall.

​Emily Mollard clutch up-and-down chipping over a fence​

​Emily Mollard interview holding champagne​

A champion’s disbelief

Hardy sealed the deal with an afternoon 91.03, bringing his two-round tally to 177.31—just enough to hold off Willett (179.52) and Amateur standout Adam Harrington (184.32). In his post-round interview, Hardy could hardly believe it: “I have to pinch myself.”

​James Hardy interview “I have to pinch myself”​

Seniors and Juniors shine

Senior Men: Adam Williams (England) took the title with 64 in 32:53 (96.53). His reflection summed it up: “You need your mental strength.” Adam Williams senior winner interview​

Junior: Sebastian Wells (England) posted 72 in 29:47 (101.47), then stunned the field by advancing into the overall top-20 cut—a signal that the next generation is already here. Sebastian Wells interview​

» What I’m watching

​World Champ Jin Ota back in action at the Hokkaido Open​

​Kyle Cokinos 24 hour golf record – Official Documentary​

» Upcoming Events

Anything I should’ve mentioned but didn’t? Anything coming up you want to see highlighted?

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Keep it in the short grass »

- Adam

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