Name: Parkland Products
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On Sunday, October 20th, Te Awamutu Golf Club hosted the Parkland Products Waikato Speedgolf Champs and Festival of Speedgolf, attracting golfers and runners of all levels. The event combined the excitement of speedgolf with community spirit, raising funds for the I AM HOPE charity and providing a memorable day of competition and camaraderie.

New Zealand speedgolf team posing for a photo by the Parkland Banner.

For those unfamiliar with speedgolf, it’s a thrilling combination of golf and running. Players complete a golf course as quickly as possible, with the challenge being to balance their running speed with an accurate golf score. In speedgolf, both the time taken and the golf score count towards the final result, making it a true test of endurance and precision.

The Parkland Products Waikato Speedgolf Champs saw participants competing in both individual and team formats. The morning began with a 9- or 18-hole individual event, followed by a thrilling pairs event in the afternoon, making for a full day of action-packed fitness. The event was open to all levels—juniors, men, and women—and also featured fun challenges like the 3-Hole Gumboot Challenge, where participants enjoyed a light-hearted twist on the traditional game.

Some key results from the festival include:

Brad Hayward took the top spot in the Men’s division, finishing 18 holes in an impressive 39 minutes with a golf score of 76, earning him a total Speedgolf score of 115.34.
Liz McKinnon dominated the Women’s division with a golf score of 79 in just 47 minutes, finishing with a Speedgolf score of 126.20.
A range of other talented players showcased their skills, including Bernie Smith and Robin Smith, who closely followed Hayward in the rankings with equally impressive scores.

While the competition was fierce, the real victory was the event’s charitable cause. The Parkland Products Festival of Speedgolf was not just about fun and fitness; it was also a fundraiser for the I AM HOPE foundation, which works to promote mental health awareness and support for young people in New Zealand. Through entry fees and donations, the event raised an estimated $2,000 for the charity, contributing to vital mental health services across the country.

Parkland Products is honored to support such an important cause. The company has long been a champion of community engagement and wellness, and this event was a perfect example of their commitment to giving back while fostering a sense of unity and fun through sport.

This inaugural event was more than just a day of speedgolf; it marked the beginning of a new tradition. With great feedback from competitors, spectators, and organizers alike, the Parkland Products Festival of Speedgolf is already set to return in 2025 with even more excitement. Many participants, including those who are preparing for the Speedgolf World Championships in Japan next month, saw this festival as the perfect warm-up event.

As Parkland Products looks ahead to more collaborations and sponsorships in the sports community, they remain dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, supporting local causes, and bringing people together through fun and fitness.

The 2024 Parkland Products Festival of Speedgolf and Waikato Champs was an outstanding success. If you missed this year’s event, be sure to mark your calendar for 2025. Whether you’re an experienced speedgolf player or a beginner looking for a fun new challenge, this festival is an event not to be missed!