PowerPlay Golf Promises Shorter Rounds and Greater Excitement

Golf rounds keep getting longer. Free time and disposable income become more and more scarce. Video games and extreme sports command rapt attention from thrill-seeking youth.
By: Red Alien Marketing
 
June 14, 2011 - PRLog -- How does golf remain relevant facing all these obstacles?

How about a concept that saves time and money while boosting the game’s fun factor? It’s called PowerPlay Golf, and it could be coming to a course near you – if it’s not there already.

Modeled after Twenty20 Cricket – a highly popular alternative to traditional cricket -- PowerPlay Golf (PPG) has some high-profile backers and a PR plan that could make it The Next Big Thing.

Douglas Poole is the managing director of Golfsmith Europe and chairman of the Golf Industry Association, he was recently on BBC Radio 5 live talking to Mickey Clarke about the benefits of the new golfing format.

You can find Golfsmith Europe on Facebook for the latest golf updates here: http://www.facebook.com/golfsmitheurope

You can hear the broadcast here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13068612


Here are the basics:

PowerPlay Golf is a nine-hole game in which two flags are planted in each green. The Black (“PowerPlay”) flag is in a more difficult location than the White flag, and players must choose the one they’re aiming for before teeing off on each hole. Scores are calculated using the Stableford system, with additional points awarded for birdies or better made when chasing a Black flag. Golfers can compete in match play if they prefer.

Over the first eight holes, the golfer must go after a Black flag at least three times. On the final hole, the Black flag brings additional risk in the form of lost points for a bogey or worse.

Some will call it a gimmick, just another misguided attempt to make golf less time-consuming and more appealing to the masses. Anyone remember the Cayman ball?

But PowerPlay Golf has a few things in its favor. (Besides significant resources and big-name endorsers – more on those in a bit.) For one, it’s played on existing courses, so no new construction will be required. For another, it brings a unique strategic dimension to the game, which should stoke the interest of veteran players.

That PowerPlay Golf will cost less money and time is a given. What’s not certain is how many golfers will embrace it. Americans, in particular, are loath to stray from their 18-hole rounds and stroke-play scoring. But surely there’s a time when PowerPlay is right for even the purest of purists.

Now, about those other factors in PPG’s favor:

If PowerPlay Golf goes down as a well-intentioned but ill-fated initiative, it will go down swinging. PPG boasts financial backing and star power to spare.

To wit: Colin Montgomerie is PPG’s spokesman, Gary Player a key proponent, Saab the major sponsor. Cash comes from Convers Sports, a world leader in sports and entertainment branding.

PPG will soon command a global audience, when a series of three made-for-television tournaments begins May 30 at Celtic Manor in Wales. Among those competing in the event -- called PowerPlay Golf: Ignition -- are Player, reigning U.S. Open champs Graeme McDowell and Paula Creamer, and international stars Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, John Daly and Ian Woosnam.

Two more tourneys will follow in Asia and the U.S. in November:

Celebrity golfer’s aside, PowerPlay Golf has gained traction where it matters most: at the club level. More than 270 courses in the UK have signed on as PPG venues, including storied Royal Dornoch, 2006 Open Championship host Royal Liverpool, and former Ryder Cup site The Belfry.

The format is the brainchild of David Piggins and Peter McEvoy, a five-time Walker Cup competitor. It’s been well tested, too. From 2007-09, PowerPlay Golf was successfully tried at some 400 clubs in 30 countries.

While it remains to be seen if PPG has staying power, its leaders appear to be on the right path. And while millions of devotees assure traditional golf isn’t going anywhere, anything that promises quicker rounds and added excitement is a welcome development.

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Red Alien online marketing consultants in Cambridge and London UK.
Specialists in promoting small to medium size companies online using a variety of digital channels and bespoke digital campaigns.
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Source:Red Alien Marketing
Email:***@redalien.co.uk Email Verified
Tags:Golf, Golfsmith, Europe, Powerplay, Cricket, Douglas Poole, Pga, Bbc, Golfers
Industry:Sports, Hobbies, Lifestyle
Location:London, Greater - England
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