News

Living on the Outer Edges

Adam Williams | 10 September 2024

Ahead of competing in this weekend’s British Speedgolf Championships in Sunningdale, LWC Headmaster, Adam Williams reflects on the life-changing lure of the sport…

 

There are moments in life when you feel inexplicably and undeniably blessed.

 

One of these moments hit me as I stood on the 11th tee during a Speedgolf round at St Andrews, watching a sunset melt across the Eden Estuary like butter on a warm crumpet. It was a balmy evening in Fife and for once, I had the good sense to stop, press pause on my stopwatch and soak it all in. It was an assault on the senses; wading oyster catchers, ryegrass swaying in the breeze and a purple wash of heather rolling off toward the horizon. For a moment, I felt like I was in a Visit Scotland brochure. It was, as they say, life-affirming and it was Speedgolf that had brought me here.

 

“This was a version of the game I hadn’t explored. It was golf played fast, creatively, on the margins and outer edges of the sport”

—Adam Williams

 

At LWC, we emphasise the importance of trying something new; of immersing yourself in as many different experiences as possible, to discover the paths that bring the most joy and opportunity. This is how my Speedgolfing path began….

 

In 2020, lockdown was in full swing and by chance, I came across a YouTube clip that would change everything. It featured Pro Golfer, Luke Willett running 18 holes in 40 minutes with just five clubs. I was immediately hooked. This was a version of the game I hadn’t explored. It was golf played fast, creatively, on the margins and outer edges of the sport. Over the next few years, as I competed in British Championships and other Speedgolf tournaments, I found a diverse, passionate community that loved the same fast, inclusive version of the game.

   

I’ve played golf for many years at various levels, whether representing county, British Schools, British Universities, or in national tournaments. Whilst I’ve always loved the competitive element, for me, golf is most exciting when there’s a twist.

 

The goal in Speedgolf is simple: complete a full round (about 8 km) as quickly as possible, whilst keeping your shot count low. You add your score to your time and anything under 120 is considered high quality. The challenge is finding that sweet spot. If you run too fast, your shots go haywire. But if you take too long, you pay the penalty of the stopwatch. It’s a balancing act that requires speed, stamina, clear thinking, and minimal baggage.

 

After two years of chasing this game, I managed to become the British Amateur Speedgolf Champion in 2022, 2023, and even finished runner-up in the British Pairs (foursomes) earlier this year.

 

Whilst personal achievements are fulfilling, what now excites me is helping others to discover this fantastic game. The Speedgolf community is growing, but it needs support to raise its profile on national and global stages. Step forward this weekend’s British Speedgolf Championships at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club. One of the joys of the sport is its inclusivity and this year’s tournament sees the introduction of an adaptive category, alongside men, women and juniors.

 

LWC is delighted to be a sponsor of this year’s British Speedgolf Championships, alongside the R&A, Mizuno and Dorset Orthopaedic. The College will also be represented by pupils, parents and staff both playing and supporting. Good luck to Jack Malden, 5th Formers – Harry, Callum, Ollie and LWC parents, Aidan Neill and Scott Walker who will all be competing.

 

We would love to see the wider LWC community supporting and all are welcome. The action gets underway on Sunday 15th September at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club. Entry is free from 8am.

 

Maybe we’ll experience another life-affirming moment together, with a little less heather but just as much joy.