SPRINT6GOLF unveiled as golf’s new faster format

SPRINT6GOLF

Fed up of playing five-hour rounds? SPRINT6Golf – a new quick-fire, shorter format of golf – has been launched to help speed up the game.

SPRINT6GOLF is played over just six holes and utilises a free mobile app with a 30-second shot clock to ensure a continuous pace of play.

Designed to attract players of all ages and abilities, the format typically takes just one hour to complete and already has the backing of England Golf and the European Tour.

Ambassadors include former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, Real Madrid and Wales star Gareth Bale and Formula 1 pundit Eddie Jordan.

“SPRINT6GOLF addresses many of the current issues with golf by shortening the time required to play and making it more accessible, thus bringing a whole new generation of fans into the sport and enabling existing golfers to play more often,” explains Tom Critchley, creator of SPRINT6GOLF and son of Sky Sports commentator Bruce.

“We are starting at grassroots level to give anyone, including club golfers, the opportunity to enjoy SPRINT6GOLF, but our vision is to show how exciting and dynamic it can be when the best players in the world start competing in professional tournaments.”

How does it work?

• You must complete each shot in under 30 seconds. The moment your opponent strikes their ball and you are in a position to play your ball, the shot clock should start immediately.
• If you are deemed to have delayed moving directly to your ball or you ‘hover’ over your bag to give yourself more time, your opponent(s) may issue you with a yellow card. Two yellow card equals a red and a one-shot penalty.
•  If you take longer than the permitted 30 seconds to play a shot, you will receive a red card and a one-shot penalty.
• Each player has two, 2-minute time outs (per six holes) which they can take ay any point during the round.

What they say…

Paul McGinley – “SPRINT6GOLF is a very exciting and innovative new golf format that will be good for the game. I think it will bring a new audience to the sport, and I’m really looking forward to playing in the first championship.”

Gareth Bale – “I love golf, but it doesn’t always fit into my busy life. SPRINT6GOLF is the perfect solution, and it’s fun and fast paced. I’m excited to be part of something that’s going to have such a positive impact on the game.”

Eddie Jordan – “I’m really excited about SPRINT6GOLF. It is the right step forward for golf to engage the younger generation with a more dynamic format.”

European Tour CEO Keith Pelley – “Innovation and having fun are the keys to broadening golf’s appeal to all ages and this new format certainly offers both of those elements.”

What does the future hold?

Thirty-two clubs around the country will be invited to host qualifying events, each of which will put forward one amateur to compete in the 2016 Amateur Challenge National Final at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club on August 30.

Organisers are also targeting a professional event in the future, which will be spread over four days and include three rounds of six holes each day.

How can you get involved?

Golfers can download the free SPRINT6GOLF app on the App Store or Android Marketplace. Clubs can register their interest at http://www.sprint6golf.com