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Rotorua is set for the most “thrilling and highly competitive” New Zealand Speedgolf Open to date, according to event director Jason Cameron.

A record number of competitors will battle it out over 36 holes for this year’s third annual unique sporting crown at Arikikapakapa Golf Course this weekend.

More than 30 golfers will tee off tomorrow with ones to watch in the men’s field including World Speedgolf champion Jamie Young (USA), New Zealand athletics Olympian Nick Willis and last year’s champion – Kiwi Richard Olsen.

Cameron said it was too close to pick a winner and added a combination of speed, precision and fitness would be essential to take the title.

“It’s definitely the most competitive field we’ve seen and it really is too close to call,” he said.

“It’s fantastic for the sport and the area to have such big names like Jamie and Nick involved. But there is still room for other competitors to grab that title because it’s such a quality field.

“It all depends on the day because this really is a unique form of golf. It will be exciting to watch and whoever puts in the fastest running, most accurate shots and can keep going will win.”

Willis, who won a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio over 1500m, said he must use his speed to his advantage.

“Arikikapakapa is such a great venue, the firm pumice under the fairway makes it a fast course – I need to make the most of that,” he said. “But I’m up against some of the best speedgolfers in the world so it will be important for us locals to defend our home turf.”

In the women’s field, last year’s champion Liz McKinnon of Auckland will be looking to retain her title but will be pushed all the way by fellow former New Zealand tour professional Renee Fowler from Wellington.