Olsen outclasses world champ (+video)

A DUNEDIN teacher has beaten the reigning world champion at the New Zealand Speedgolf Open in Rotorua.

The lung-busting event attracted golfers and runners alike to the Rotorua Golf Club at the weekend, as they tried to complete a round of golf in the shortest time possible.

The man to beat was world champion Rob Hogan (Ireland) who made the long trip to New Zealand to take part in the tournament. Hogan, sporting a beard the size of a small bush, went first during the competition round yesterday shooting 80 in 39 minutes. That gave him a speedgolf score of 119 (the sum of his time and golf score).

It looked like it was going to be enough to win the New Zealand Speedgolf Open, now in its second year, but Dunedin's Richard Olsen pulled together a great round.

Olsen, a former New Zealand 1500m champion, whipped around the course in 42 minutes shooting a five-over par 75. His overall score of 117 was enough to see him claim the title ahead of second-placed Hogan and third-placed Landyn Edwards (124) from Rotorua, who won the event last year.

"I can't believe it," Olsen said.

NEW CHAMPION: Dunedin's Richard Olsen won the tournament yesterday shooting 75 in 42 minutes. Photo/Ben Fraser

"I was hitting the driver everywhere during the qualifying round [on Saturday] but I kept it really straight today. It made a huge difference."

He said he wasn't prepared for the scorching heat over the weekend, hailing from the deep south, and really struggled with the temperature during the qualifying round.

"I didn't think I would make it with about four holes to go [on Saturday] and almost had to stop and walk. But this morning I guzzled down about three and a half litres of water and went out a bit more conservative." he said.

"And I dropped one club today and only took four."

He took a driver, six iron, 56-degree wedge and a putter.

Olsen, 31, said he was rapt to beat Hogan and would love to go to the world champs one day. Hogan said he was stoked to come to New Zealand and compete, and he was impressed by the level of competition here.

"I ran well. I enjoyed the run despite it being painful. I tried to take in all the beautiful landscape despite the pain, so that made it a lot easier-and to break 40 minutes I'm happy with that."

He said while his beard probably slowed him down a bit, he wasn't going to lose it any time soon.

"Life is more fun with a beard that is why I grew it, and also my daughter wanted me to grow it."

He thanked all his sponsors and supporters who helped him get to Rotorua including his main sponsor Hard Metal.

Auckland's Liz McKinnon won the women's title at the tournament.