Speedgolf Worlds 2024: NZ Team Announced, Backed by Toro
The New Zealand Speedgolf team has been officially announced for the upcoming Speedgolf World Championships in Tochigi, Japan, with support from major sponsor Toro. The competition, set to take place from November 13 to 15 at the SEVEN HUNDRED CLUB, will see top Kiwi’s competing in both individual and team formats against speedgolfers from around the globe. This year, all eyes will be on Jamie Reid, who enters the competition as the reigning world champion, aiming to defend his individual title while also contending for the Team World Cup.
The three-day event will kick off with a practice round on Wednesday, November 13, allowing players to get a feel for the challenging course. Individual and team events commence on Thursday, November 14, with New Zealand’s top for world titles across multiple categories. The finals and awards ceremony are scheduled for Friday, November 15, promising an exciting conclusion to the championship.
The tournament is split into two key formats:
- Individual Competition: Competitors will complete 36 holes over two days in a traditional stroke-play format.
- Team Competition: The team event starts with 9-hole qualifications, then narrows down to semi-finals and finals over 7 and 3 holes, respectively, featuring the top five teams.
Jamie Reid, a six-time New Zealand Speedgolf champion and 2022 World Champion, is set to defend his world championship title in the individual competition. Reid’s achievements make him a strong favorite for retaining the title, especially following his recent unofficial world record score of 107.55. This remarkable score, set during the Toro NZ Speedgolf Championship, demonstrates Reid’s unique ability to balance speed with precision, completing 18 holes with 68 strokes in just 39 minutes and 55 seconds.
Teaming up again with Robin Smith for the Team World Cup, Reid is also looking to defend their title from 2022. With their established synergy and Reid’s record-setting form, the pair is a powerful force as they aim to bring another Team World Cup victory to New Zealand.
Liz McKinnon and Amy Linton will represent New Zealand in the women’s category. McKinnon, a six-time New Zealand Women’s Champion, recently won the Toro NZ Speedgolf Women’s Championship, solidifying her position as the favorite. Linton, making her debut on the world stage, brings fresh talent and ambition to the competition, which could lead to a strong showing. With a competitive field of international women speedgolfers—this year’s largest yet—McKinnon and Linton will also team up for the Women’s Team Championship, giving New Zealand a formidable presence in both the individual and team events.
The senior division will see experienced players like Damian Mills, recent champion of the Toro Senior NZ Champs 2024, and John Farron, a decorated competitor with numerous wins in senior tournaments. Their consistent performances position them as strong contenders for senior titles.
The men’s division is also packed with talented players. Greg Anderson comes into the tournament with strong results from recent tournaments, while Brad Hayward and Mick McBeth, both accomplished competitors with several top-ten finishes this year, are likely to be serious challengers.
Toro and Parkland’s sponsorship provides essential support for the New Zealand Team, reflecting their commitment to promoting emerging sports like Speedgolf. The 2024 Speedgolf Worlds are set to draw global attention as New Zealand’s elite speedgolfers compete on the world stage.
For further details on the event, visit the official website: Speedgolf Worlds 2024.
New Zealand Speed Golf Team
| Name | Achievements | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Bernie Smith | – | Men |
| Brad Dippie | 6th Carterton Open 2024 | Men |
| Brad Hayward | 3rd NZ Speedgolf 2024, 5th NZ Speedgolf 2023, 8th NZ Speedgolf 2022 | Men |
| Craig Russell | – | Men |
| Greg Anderson | 2nd NZ Speedgolf Open Masters 2024, 2nd Northland Speedgolf Open Masters 2024, 1st Taranaki Masters Senior | Men |
| Jamie Reid | 2022 World Champion & Team Champion, 6x NZ Champion, 2023 Japan Champion | Men |
| Jordan Anderson | – | Men |
| Mick McBeth | 2nd Cape Kidnappers Invitational 2024, 2nd Taranaki Masters 2024, 3rd Northland Open 2024 | Men |
| Robin Smith | – | Men |
| Damian Mills | 1st Senior Northland Champs 2024, 2nd Senior North Island Champs 2024, 1st Senior NZ Champs 2024 | Senior |
| John Farron | 1st NZ Speedgolf Open Master 2017, 1st Senior Carterton Speedgolf Open 2024, 3rd Senior North Island Speedgolf 2024 | Senior |
| Peter Sharlott | 1st North Island Speedgolf Open Masters 2024, 3rd NZ Speedgolf Open Masters 2024 | Senior |
| Amy Linton | – | Women |
| Liz McKinnon | 1st NZ Speedgolf Woman’s 2024, 6x NZ Woman’s Champion | Women |
