Flying Kiwi conquers Castlebar after transcontinental dash - sport - Western People

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

The iconic Castlebar Golf Club roared to life as the SpeedGolf Irish Open delivered a high-octane spectacle that redefined the game of golf for players and fans alike.

Hosted on one of Ireland's most scenic and challenging courses, the event on Saturday, June 7 brought together elite global talent and a revolutionary new format, capturing the imagination of record crowds and international media.

Topping the leaderboard in the men's division was Robin Smith, who clinched victory by less than a minute ahead of Ireland's own Rob Hogan -- a former two time world champion -- and Luke Willett, who shared second place with an identical final score. Smith's win was made all the more dramatic by his whirlwind 48-hour journey -- flying in from New Zealand the night before the event and returning home the following day.

In the women's division, Bev Fentiman stormed to victory, triumphing in a field that included world-class competitors such as Britta Ucshkamp, the reigning Women's World Time Trial champion.

The post-event Mass Start World Time Trial was hailed as a groundbreaking addition -- a revolutionary new format met with overwhelming enthusiasm and one that may well set a new global standard. Among the standouts was Luke Willett, current Men's World Time Trial champion, whose explosive performance thrilled the galleries.

A six-person documentary crew led by Ben Simms -- acclaimed director behind many of Bear Grylls' adventure series -- was on-site filming the first episode of an upcoming SpeedGolf documentary. With Ireland's breathtaking landscapes, Castlebar's warm community, and a world-class lineup brimming with talent and international flair, the setting was picture-perfect.

The event was proudly backed by Hard Metal Machine Tools Ltd, celebrating over 50 years of Irish engineering excellence. Known for precision, endurance, and performance -- traits echoed throughout the tournament -- Hard Metal's support helped power this ambitious reimagining of the sport.

Also turning heads was up-and-coming apparel brand Poison Darts, whose bold, athletic designs brought a fresh energy to the fairways. The brand's presence reflects the new face of golf -- faster, younger, and unapologetically stylish.

With huge crowds, format innovation, and a growing global spotlight, the Poison Darts SpeedGolf Irish Open has firmly cemented itself as a flagship event on the international SpeedGolf calendar.