A HEADTEACHER is swapping classrooms for golf clubs as he prepares to participate in the British Speedgolf Championships this weekend.
Adam Williams, headmaster of Lord Wandsworth College near Hook, will compete at the British Speedgolf Championships at Sunningdale Heath Golf Club in Berkshire on Sunday, September 15.
Mr Williams was crowned British Amateur Speedgolf Champion in 2022, 2023 and was a runner-up in the British Pairs (foursomes) in May.
More than 50 players will be taking part in the 10th edition of the Championships, which will feature an adaptive category for the first time. The event sees PGA Professionals competing alongside amateur men, women and juniors.
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Adam said: "Golf is most exciting when there’s a twist. Speedgolf is a version of the game that is played fast, creatively, on the margins and outer edges of the sport."
He has been playing Speedgolf since lockdown in 2020, after watching an online clip of pro golfer, Luke Willett competing.
Adam previously played traditional golf at a national level and was excited to learn this new take on the sport.
He added: "I was immediately hooked. This was a form of the game I hadn’t explored.
"At Lord Wandsworth College, we emphasise the importance of trying something new; of immersing yourself in as many different experiences as possible, to discover the paths that bring you the most joy. Speedgolf is one of my paths."
The sport of Speedgolf is growing and is a faster and more athletic version of the traditional game.
Competitors are challenged to combine pace with shot accuracy. The aim is to achieve the lowest possible number of shots combined with the shortest time taken to play a round.
The combined total gives the player their Speedgolf score.
A spokesperson for Lord Wandsworth College said: "Lord Wandsworth College is delighted to be a sponsor of this year’s British Speedgolf Championships, alongside the R&A, Mizuno and Dorset Orthopaedic.
"Together with its headmaster, the college will also be represented in the competition by other staff, pupils and parents."
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