Speed golf: Olsen overcomes adverstity

Richard Olsen.
Richard Olsen.
It was second time lucky for Dunedin teacher Richard Olsen who overcame dehydration and a gear malfunction to win the New Zealand Speed Golf Open at the Rotorua Golf Club at the weekend.

The 30-year-old, who finished third in the inaugural event last year, had to lift his game dramatically after settling for sixth in Saturday's qualifying round when he carded a 10-over-par 80 in 49min 49sec - a total of 129.49.

Mike Ryan jun qualified top on 117.03, which was a New Zealand record - his 71 gross score was bettered only by defending champion and Bay of Plenty representative Landyn Edwards (70), who qualified second.

Edwards held the previous record of 119.34 in last year's event.

World speed golf champion Rob Hogan, of Ireland, showed his pedigree despite carding an 84 gross but registered the best time of 41min 06sec.

Olsen said the qualification was a nightmare after his carry stand, which holds his clubs, basically fell to bits.

"A bolt had come out of the stand so I had to carry my clubs by hand and it was so hot - over 30degC. I was also badly dehydrated after not drinking enough water prior to teeing off''.

But nobody could match Olsen in the final and he said a couple of tweaks combined with strong form off the tee was ultimately the difference.

"I didn't use the pitching wedge at all on the Saturday, so I left it out of the bag and as it turned out I wouldn't have needed it at all on the Sunday.

"I also drank three litres of water, although I still didn't feel that great even before teeing off''.

He improved on his qualifying score by roughly 7min and five shots to finish on 117.48, which not only proved too good for his rivals but also would have broken Edwards' previous New Zealand record.

His gross of 75 and 42min 48sec were the second-best scores in both disciplines and sealed the win over Hogan, who finished his round in 39min 2sec but fired an 80 gross for a total of 119.02.

A crucial moment came on the 16th hole where he secured a birdie after driving the 330m par-4 over water as well as the competitor in front who had still not made the green.

He then made a bogey at the 17th and elected to take a penalty drop on the 18th for a double bogey but saving on time.

He says his preparation was slightly different to last year's and he spent much time training four to five weeks out from the tournament around Waikouaiti Golf Club where he is a member.

However, the former New Zealand 1500m champion still believes he can improve his fitness.

"I'm lucky with all the support I get from the Waikouaiti members. For example, when I'm out training they all let me play through without a hassle.

"I'm probably 10kg heavier than what I was when I was running. I'm 73-74 right now but if I could shave 5kg then that would be ideal''.

He also focused on improving his golf throughout 2015 which included playing in a couple of Otago trials.

"Last year I was playing off a five handicap. I'm now down to three and been playing consistent''.

- Michael Minty 

Add a Comment