Last month, PGA member James Hardy shocked the field just two months after his first attempt at the sport to cancel the British Racing Championship trophy.
Hardy is a self-deprecated “golf geek” who attended the American Golf Scholarship and completed PGA training at the age of 16, and Hardy found a perfect blend of competition, community and fitness in Speedgolf.
Golf News caught up with him and heard his lateness in golf, his rapid rise in Speedgolf and why he thought this format could play a major role in the future of the game.
Tell us how you entered golf at the age of 16?
I was a late starter and when my dad joined me at a local club, he caught the ball at 16. I was immediately fascinated.
In two years, I became a club champion, which led to a golf scholarship in the United States.
My game did develop under my coach and close friend Beau Baugh and I still visit him. Winning the Southeast University championship is still one of my best memories.
After graduation, I returned to the UK to complete my PGA and since then I have been immersed in the game in various ways.
How did you hear Speedgolf and get involved?
I have my partner to thank. She knew I was a golf geek and always squeezed in two-hour rounds for the first time in Aldwickbury.
She got into my tournament to the British Speedgolf Championship and the moment I tried it, I knew it was the perfect choice.
The European Speedgolf Championship in Finland was your first match, how did you play, what did you learn before the British?
Actually, I entered the European Open at the last minute of the British. As a complete newcomer, the eighth place finish was a huge surprise and gave me valuable lessons on preparation and pace.
But what really stands out is the Speedgolf community. From the advice from Close House PGA Pro Will Robson to the instructions from former champion Luke Willett and the practical equipment suggestions from others, everyone’s support was very generous.
This sense of family is as important as competition itself.
You won a fierce opposition at the UK Speedgolf Championship. What does this mean to you? How has it affected your future ambitions?
I’ve only played Speedgolf for two months, so my goal is to make it to the top 10.
Winning in such a huge and accomplished field is shocking to prove what happens when you put yourself there and commit to it.
But, for me, the real highlight was raising £3,000 for Parkinson’s UK to honor my father’s life. This means more trophys. Looking ahead, I want to accept more of the international Speedgolf Tour, keep improving and do my best to grow the sport.
Speedgolf is about pace and performance. How do you balance golf and fitness, and what can you build?
Golf is my strength and fitness is still in progress. Speed is naturally not my strong point, but I am determined to improve that side of the game. The beauty of Speedgolf is that it drives you to stay better in both ways.
As a PGA member who has no career in tour or coaching, how would you describe your love for golf – why is Speedgolf so suitable for you?
I’m a golf geek, but I’ve always loved fitness, football, skiing, gym, running. Speedgolf feels like it was designed for me. It’s faster, healthier, can build a community, and it’s fun.
Golf is growing and I believe the club will soon start offering Speedgolf Tee Times.
When time is precious, how does Speedgolf manage it together with managing business?
This is one of its greatest appeal. You can play 18 holes in an hour while doing a serious workout.
Even on tough days, you walked away from the fitter, clearer and learned something new.
For anyone who balances work and life, Speedgolf is the ultimate way to keep golfing
