British Speedgolf has confirmed its 2026 championship calendar and, in a further sign of the sport’s growing structure and maturity, has become the first nation to announce its team for this year’s Toro Speedgolf World Championships which is being held in New Zealand in November.
The 2026 season opens with the British Speedgolf Pairs Championship at Mid Herts Golf Club on 17 May. The innovative team format, pioneered in the UK, continues to grow and is expected to attract its largest field to date. The pairs model has proved particularly effective at broadening participation, offering an accessible entry point for new players while retaining competitive appeal.
Pam Painter, Founder of British Speedgolf, said: “Pairs is one of the most effective ways to introduce players to the format. Competing alongside a friend or colleague helps build confidence, and many newcomers are surprised by how quickly they adapt to playing at pace.”
The flagship British Speedgolf Championship returns to Sunningdale Heath Golf Club on September 6 for a fourth consecutive year. The field will again be capped at 70 players. Following the introduction of a championship cut in 2025, the top 20 competitors, regardless of age, gender or professional status, progress to a second round, playing 36 holes in a single day to determine the overall champion. The move aligned the event more closely with elite tournament structures while maintaining its inclusive ethos.
Last year’s championship was oversubscribed, prompting the introduction of qualification pathways for 2026 to manage demand and maintain event standards. Notably, 2025 champion James Harding had just two months’ experience in the format before winning, highlighting the crossover potential for skilled golfers and PGA professionals.
British Speedgolf has also become the first country to confirm its squad for the 2026 Toro Speedgolf World Championships, hosted by Golf New Zealand in Auckland on November 4-5. This championship is expected to welcome a field of over 100 top players from 20 nations.
The team features reigning Speedgolf World Cup Pairs champions and PGA professionals Luke Willett and Luke Bone, who will defend their team title. Reigning British champion and PGA member James Harding is joined by fellow PGA professional Will Robson.
Senior champion Adam Williams strengthens the men’s senior category, while Bev Fentiman, Kathy Leppard and Colette Blacklock, all established category winners, underline the depth of the British team.
One final place remains available to complete the 12-player squad and will be awarded based on exceptional performance during the 2026 season.
As British Speedgolf builds momentum across its domestic championships and onto the world stage, 2026 marks a pivotal year in the sport’s structured growth and rising profile. For brands and partners seeking authentic alignment with a progressive, athletic and fast-growing format, Speedgolf offers a distinctive platform, combining golf’s heritage audience with an emerging crossover running demographic.
With expanding media reach, international representation and clear grassroots pathways, there is a compelling opportunity to support a sport on the rise while engaging a highly motivated and performance-driven community.
Following this year’s Speedgolf World Championships in New Zealand, the next is due to come to the UK in 2028, the hunt is on for a progressive Championship host who can support British Speedgolf to take the sport to the next level.
To get in touch with Pam Painter at British Speedgolf, email pam@britishspeedgolf.co.uk or call 07810 484044.