Flying Kiwi conquers Castlebar after transcontinental dash
Luke Willett chips to hole 18 on his way to joint second at the Irish Speed Golf Open which took place in Castlebar.
The iconic Castlebar Golf Club roared to life as the SpeedGolf Irish Open delivered a high-octane spectacle that redefined the game of golf for players and fans alike.
Hosted on one of Ireland’s most scenic and challenging courses, the event on Saturday, June 7 brought together elite global talent and a revolutionary new format, capturing the imagination of record crowds and international media.
Topping the leaderboard in the men’s division was Robin Smith, who clinched victory by less than a minute ahead of Ireland’s own Rob Hogan — a former two time world champion — and Luke Willett, who shared second place with an identical final score. Smith’s win was made all the more dramatic by his whirlwind 48-hour journey — flying in from New Zealand the night before the event and returning home the following day.
In the women’s division, Bev Fentiman stormed to victory, triumphing in a field that included world-class competitors such as Britta Ucshkamp, the reigning Women’s World Time Trial champion.
The post-event Mass Start World Time Trial was hailed as a groundbreaking addition — a revolutionary new format met with overwhelming enthusiasm and one that may well set a new global standard. Among the standouts was Luke Willett, current Men’s World Time Trial champion, whose explosive performance thrilled the galleries.
A six-person documentary crew led by Ben Simms — acclaimed director behind many of Bear Grylls’ adventure series — was on-site filming the first episode of an upcoming SpeedGolf documentary. With Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, Castlebar’s warm community, and a world-class lineup brimming with talent and international flair, the setting was picture-perfect.
The event was proudly backed by Hard Metal Machine Tools Ltd, celebrating over 50 years of Irish engineering excellence. Known for precision, endurance, and performance — traits echoed throughout the tournament — Hard Metal’s support helped power this ambitious reimagining of the sport.
Also turning heads was up-and-coming apparel brand Poison Darts, whose bold, athletic designs brought a fresh energy to the fairways. The brand’s presence reflects the new face of golf — faster, younger, and unapologetically stylish.
With huge crowds, format innovation, and a growing global spotlight, the Poison Darts SpeedGolf Irish Open has firmly cemented itself as a flagship event on the international SpeedGolf calendar.
