We covered golf and fitness in previous posts, Keeping Yourself In Golf Shape and Is Golf Excercise?, and we also posted about variations of the game: Disc Golf, Mini Golf and Adirondack Golf. Now, how about combining golf, fitness and a variation of the game; Speed Golf anyone?

Started back in the late 70’s by Steve Scott, this deviation not only uses your final score after 18 but, it also factors in the time it took to complete the round. How intense is it? Check this out: In 2005, Christopher Smith, a PGA Pro from Pumpkin Ridge G.C. (Oregon) set a world record at the Chicago Speed Golf Classic. Smith finished by shooting a 65 (6 under par) in a little over 44 minutes.

On average, a regulation golf course is about 6,000-6,500 yards (give or take). That roughly translates into 3 miles, probably a little more, of uneven terrain. The average male runs about an 8:25 minute mile and shoots around a 100 per round. So, after the numbers are crunched, the average golfer would walk away with a score somewhere around 185-190 (and btw, Smith’s score was 109).

You’re probably sitting there saying “Why not jog or run and then play golf?” I hear you, why would I want to run between each shot? First of all, and I speak for myself, my beer would spill all over the place. Secondly, what do I do with the cart…push it? Seriously, it’s quite a feat to do two things at the same time extremely well when I struggle to do one half-way decent.

If you get the chance and want to add a little extra workout while hacking-up the local track, pick up the pace a little. Obviously obey all rules on the course and if you are going to Speed Golf, make sure there is no one in front of you.

Good luck, hit ’em straight, run and don’t forget to yell FORE!