US Speedgolf Open Hits Temecula Creek Golf Course With International Play, Local Fun

TEMECULA, CA — Over the weekend, the Temecula Creek Golf Club became a sports arena as professional speedgolfers from around the world battled it out for the lowest score in the fastest time at the US Speedgolf Open. This was the 9th year of the event, according to Jonathan Flietstra, a Temecula resident who brought the game to town.

The winner of the weekend's open was the world's No. 1 speed golfer, Robin Smith of New Zealand, who captured the 2025 U.S. Speedgolf Open Championship at Temecula Creek Golf Club title, finishing with a two-round total of 235:07 (-3:57). It was a decisive wire-to-wire victory, according to organizers.

"Smith’s dominant opening round of five under par set the tone for the weekend, and his steady follow-up performance of 120:51 (77 strokes in 43:51) sealed the win," they said.

"Luke Willett of England finished second at 247:30 (+8:26), while Jim Davis of Farmington Hills, Michigan, climbed into third at 249:56 (+10:52) after posting the best score of the day with a sharp 119:16 (76 strokes in 43:16).

"The final day also featured a highlight reel moment from Jason Hawkins of Prospect, Kentucky, who aced the par-3 12th hole with a 5-iron from 175 yards.

"Meanwhile, Steve Vancil of Oregon — a former Canadian PGA Tour player competing at age 60 — finished seventh overall, just three strokes behind World Champion Jin Ota of Japan. Vancil’s remarkable performance would have won the 40+, 50+, or 60+ divisions by a comfortable margin," organizers said.

Division Champions

• Open Division: Robin Smith (New Zealand) – 235:07 (–3:57)
• Women’s Division: Paige Vancil (USA) – 297:40 (+29:12)
• Amateur Division: Matthew Bluske (USA) – 292:01 (+52:57)
• Masters 40+ Division: Adam Lorton (USA) – 284:29 (+45:25)
• Senior 50+ Division: Joe Matsui (Japan) – 260:03 (+20:59)
• Legends 60+ Division: Scott Weller (USA) – 293:11 (+54:07)
• 18-Hole Open Division: Cole Fenner (USA) – 147:19 (+13:05)
• 9-Hole Team Best Ball: Jason Hawkins (USA) & Gatjeak Gew (South Sudan/USA)

Temecula showed up in the form of players, spectators and volunteers, according to Scott Dawley, Tournament Director, President of the International Speedgolf Association (ISGA), and Director of Speedgolf USA.

“This is the biggest and most competitive field we’ve ever had,” Dawley said. "We’re thrilled to announce that the U.S. Speedgolf Open will return to Temecula Creek Inn in 2026 for its 10th edition. The players love the course, and the community support here has been phenomenal.”

Around 82 participants, including the Open Division (professionals), 12 juniors played and ran, and 12 two-person teams played nine holes, and more, Flietstra told Patch after the event.

As for this year's winners, $3,000 cash purse was awarded to top performers, and participants also earned awards of ASICS golf, tournament shirts, LMNT hydration packs, and more.

So what is Speedgolf? And how did you get involved? Patch asked the experts.

"Speedgolf is like regular golf, but faster," said Temecula Mayor Brenden Kalfus, who was on hand for the event.

He's right. It's a faster, fitter variant of the beautiful game of golf, combining a player’s total strokes with their overall time, where one stroke equals one minute.

"The result is a thrilling, fast-paced competition that rewards athleticism, focus, and efficiency on the course," according to Flietstra.

Peter Wininger, of Temecula Creek Golf Director, shared a bit more about the game.

"These players run it in 40 minutes or less, and shoot about even par, 72," Wininger told reporters. "You're trying to go as fast as you can and swing the golf club while you're heart rate is pounding. The competition is serious and fast."

Each player has to figure out what works best for them as they race the course. They have to plan which clubs to carry in the unconventional sport designed around both speed of play and accuracy. Wininger says he uses his daughter's small putter so he doesn't have to stop for putting.

The record at Temecula Creek Golf Club, set before the weekend, was a full round of golf in 43 minutes with a golf score of 73, achieved by Kyle Payton, according to the club.

As for Flietstra, he was always a golfer, but after running his first and only marathon, he decided to run on the golf course before the sun came up, instead. "I brought a club with me. That turned into learning about the game and reaching out to Garlin Smith of Speedgolf SoCal.

"Garlin answered my call and gave me ideas on how to start a club near me. I reached out to Peter Wininger at Temecula Creek Golf Club, and his maintenance crew gave us the thumbs up. The rest is history."

Now, Temecula Creek Golf Club and new owners, the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians, are behind the growing venture that began locally because one man wanted to spend more time with his family.

"A lot of guys stop playing golf because of work or family, no one wants to spend 8 hours away when they've been gone all week at work," Flietstra told Patch. "When you play speedgolf, you start just before sunrise, around 6 a.m., it takes about an hour, with their workout and 18 holes done, and they are back home to their loved ones. It's a beautiful game."

If anyone wants to join, email SpeedGolfTemecula@gmail.com for all the details on how to play, just before sunrise every Wednesday and Sunday morning.