In addition to the standard golf game, the game can be played in a variety of ways. Mario Golf: Super Rush can be played as in real life, or running can be added to Speed mode. This can be done in two different ways: score and time.

On a timed run, getting a good score doesn't matter at all -- it's just a matter of time. Meanwhile, the score version of the game is the same as the normal version, except that in the case of a tie, better timing makes a difference. Speed mode is just one example of how the gameplay is different, so focus on the objective before developing a golf strategy.