Nike Golf challenge speedsters run amok at Archerfield

Who said slow play was a problem in golf?

Not the TG readers and competition winners who descended upon Archerfield Links for the TW14 Nike Golf Speed Challenge on the eve of The Open.

Some 39 players travelled from far and wide across the UK, to ‘Just Do It’ and take part in teams of three, each golfer kitted out in Nike Golf’s latest shoes and Tiger Woods’ customary, trademark red t-shirt.

The mission was simple – complete three holes each in as quick a time and few a shots as possible. Speed plus strokes = Team total.

It was fast, frenetic and physically demanding – and Archerfield resembled a Red Sea of charging golfers making their way around the course in rapid fashion, many a player collapsing in a heap after finishing their allotted holes.

The TW14 shoe was developed by Woods in association with the Nike designers to make it a comfortable trainer type golf shoe – and the verdict of all those who got a pair said as much afterwards.

There was a three-way tie for the top spot and prize – three signed Tiger Woods caps – but The Weapons of Grass Destruction team, who took 26 minutes and played 41 strokes in their 67 total, of Jamie Hodgson, Kenny Pallas and David Curtis got drawn out of the hat.

And the delighted trio from Glasgow couldn’t have been more pleased. David Curtis said: “It was great fun and a nice change from slow play. 18 holes at that speed might be a lot harder mind you! We were knackered after our three holes each.

“We came here to win, but win or lose, we go so much from Nike with the great gear and also got to play one of the best courses around. We’re big Tiger fans so to get his signature on a cap is brilliant and a load of our mates are jealous.”

But perhaps the best story involved came about due to the kindness of a stranger. Dominic Mitchell, a 21 year old who recently graduated from Cambridge University, was flying up to Scotland to go and watch The Open.

And when he sat on the plane up from Stanstead next to Bishop Stortford’s Mark Smith, little did he know what would transpire. As they got talking, because one of Mark’s team was unable to make the trip, Dominic was offered the team spot instead. “It was so kind and amazing to get that offer and come and play here,” said the 25 handicapper.

Not only that, but upon arriving at Archerfield they got the chance to meet Gary Player and Ian Poulter too.

It’s what golf and life is all about – great moments and memories to cherish. The TW14 Nike Golf Speed Challenge delivered on all counts.