Robert Hogan is the 2022 Irish Speedgolf Open champion after triumphing on home soil in Dundrum House Hotel.
Hogan shot rounds of 80 and 82 in 39 and 38 minutes respectively to scoop the Ewan Hogan prize with world record holder Scott Dawley of the United States taking second place with rounds of 76 and 73 in 60 and 46 minutes.
World Number One Lauren Cupp won the female prize with rounds of 74 in 51 minutes and 77 in 55 minutes and claimed 4th place overall.
Speedgolf combines strokes played and the time taken to complete the round with players using a maximum of six clubs. Each shot is 60 seconds and the total number of shots is added to the time it takes a player to complete his round. So, a 73 gross score plus 40 minutes of playing time gives an overall score of 113.
Tournament organiser Hogan was overwhelmed by how much of a success the championship was and to add the title to his two World Championships.
“I’m delighted I won. It was an amazing event,” said a jubilant Hogan. “It was such a major shock to organise a tournament, it has been an unbelievable learning experience it’s just been amazing.
“The crowd that was there was unbelievable, totally overwhelming. It was a dream come true. I’m already so excited to organise it for next year. It was an amazing event and it has so much potential.
“The spectatorship was absolutely amazing. Loads of volunteers and everyone was buzzing. People are sending me texts about it saying it was unbelievable.
“The important thing is for people to witness it in whatever way. It just hooks people. It’s all a positive vibe it grips people and makes it a positive experience.”
Galway-based Hogan has plied his trade in the United States on his way to becoming Speedgolf’s only multiple world champion and he was able to bring over some of the world’s best to Dundrum House and draw some excellent sponsors including, Robert Hurley Electrics, O’Dwyer Steel, Speedqueen Laundrettes, Reliefchefs.ie and the Pillo Hotel.
“I’m extremely lucky to have made so many amazing friends from playing tournaments in the States that they were open to coming over and supporting the event. So we had a few great players and really good characters playing.
“The venue was perfect because Dundrum were so open and supportive of it which really helped. Our international visitors really enjoyed their experience in Ireland and loved the course.
“Most of the sponsors have said they will support it next year.
Hogan ran the first Irish Speedgolf Open in Galway Bay in 2016 and he displayed a nice touch by allowing the winner that year Pat Brennan (Speedqueen Laundrettes) to be the first tee PA on Monday.
The world number eleven will take home the bell which will be engraved with the winner’s name every year. The bell is rung when the round begins and when the round ends. The bell was donated to the tournament by President of Dundrum House Hotel, Kathleen O’Neill.
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