"Golf's answer to Twenty20 cricket"..."A great idea"..."The future of golf"..."Instantly appealing"..."An engrossing challenge". Just some of the positive comments made about PowerPlay Golf by journalists, golf club managers and golfers around the world. Read what people say about PowerPlay Golf here...
"Let The Game Entertain You" Women & Golf June 2010 "How Golf Can Learn From Cricket" The Times Online May 2010 "Golf's Oldest and Newest Combine in New Event" Greenkeeper International May 2010 "Golfing Paradise" The Canary News December 2009 "PowerPlay Golf in Gran Canaria" The Canary News November 2009 "Golf makes a PowerPlay for Asian market" Daily Telegraph November 2009 "Largest golf event in Indian history uses PPG" Golf Range News October 2009 "Sporting legends back PowerPlay Golf" Golf Range News September 2009 "GOLF cut to size" Afternoon September 2009 "PowerPlays on the greens" DNA September 2009 "PowerPlay Golf set to make debut" The Indian Express September 2009 "After T20 cricket, it's PowerPlay Golf in India" The Free Press Journal Sept 09 Navshakti September 2009 Hamara Mahanagar September 2009 "T20 version of golf is here" The Times of India September 2009 "PowerPlay Golf hits the USA" Compleat Golfer May 2009 "Seal of approval" Voice of the PGA April 2009 "ECONOMIC FORECAST
70% Sun
or 30% Rain?" Golf Business Canada, March 2009 "Golf's next 'quick' fix?" Golf World , March 2009 "PowerPlay Golf Crowns its 2008 Champions" Golf Range News , Nov 2008 "Bring on PowerPlay!" Voice of The PGA, September 2008 "Troy shows nerve to land PowerPlay victory" PGA Bulletin, September 2008 "Parry leaves it late " PGA Bulletin, September 2008 "He's come to save golf - not to bury it" Fairway to Green , August 2008 "The Irish Championship" Golfing, August 2008 "Fyvie flies the flags! " Local paper, July 2008 "A £20 million PowerPlay" Golf Range News, July 2008 "PowerPlay could be a lifeline to so many clubs" GME, July 2008 "Confounding Expectations" Golf Monthly, July 2008 "Power to a new era of change for game" The Irish Independent, June 2008 "New PGA PPG Tournament announced " The PGA Professional , June 2008 "The Shootout" Tee Times, June 2008 "Black Is The New Green" Golfing Magazine, Ireland, June 2008 "PowerPlay Golf Shootout" Golf Range News , May 2008 "PowerPlay Is Here To Stay" The Daily Telegraph , April 2008 "The Death Of Golf As We Know It?" Chip and Spin Magazine, April 2008 "PowerPlay The Future Of Golf?" Golf Vacations, Vol 43 "Even Golf Is Speeding Up In A Quicker World" Daily Telegraph, Sep 07 "The New Way To Play Golf" Asian Golf Business, Jan 08 "Only A Matter Of Time" Australian Golf Digest, Nov 07 "PowerPlay Golf" Pitchcare, Oct-Nov 07 "A new, fun 9-hole format" Golf Digest South Africa, Nov 07 "Are You Ready For The Future Of Golf? " Regional Golf , Nov 07 "Le PowerPlay, c'est ludique!" French Driver Mag Golf, Jan 08 "'Tribute' course goes PowerPlay" The Golf Course , Jan 08 "Japan find PowerPlay" Weekly Par , Mar 08
Video
CNN investigates PowerPlay Golf
CNBC report on PowerPlay Golf's potential.
Setanta Golf's Dominik Holyer reports on his first PowerPlay Golf experiance.
"The game is a fascinating innovation, and there are no limits to its potential."
BBC Sport
"A significant boost to the game"
Daily Mail
"A new way to play an old sport"
Golfmagic.com
"A new phenomenon"
Golf Monthly
"Great idea... a fun and testing alternative"
AOL
"Golf's future"
The Herald
"Instantly appealing in an age when leisure time is at a premium"
Yahoo
"Quick to learn and play - make way for PowerPlay Golf"
Golf International
"An engrossing challenge - out on the golf course, the new format comes alive"
The Scotsman
"Golf's answer to Twenty20 cricket and rugby sevens"
Todays Golfer
"The game gets even more exciting at the last"
Golf World
"Requires far more strategic thinking than normal - we thoroughly enjoyed it"
Player Reviews
"I would like to thank everyone at Powerplay for the way I was looked after.
The Regional and National Finals were the best organised events of any sport that I have ever played in."
David Roberts, Mullion GC, UK
"I played in the regional final yesterday at The Hertfordshire and had a most enjoyable day , Very well organised and playing partners were good company. Alan, Pete and Duncan. I wish Duncan all the best in the final" Steven Young, Old Nene GC, UK
"Although I didn't play on the greatest course in the world, and I didn't bring my 'A' game I some how had the most fun I've ever had on a golf course. I can only attribute that to that fact I was playing PowerPlay Golf! So thank you and I can't wait until the next game!" Owen Davies, Brampton Park GC, UK
"I first came across Power Play Golf at St Thomas's Priory Golf near
Rugeley. It was well organised and the front 9 provided an interesting test
for this exciting new format. St Thomas's offer several Power Play dates,
so I'll be watching this space!" Mike White, UK
"Hello,
I am a 14 year old boy lives in Alnwick and I won the first ever junior
PowerPlay event at Rothbury Golf Club, I had 32 points but started 1, 2 then 0
which was a bummer seeing as I PowerPlayed the hole that I didn't score on, I
think I was in for a chance of a world record! Thanks, Chris" Chris White, Rothbury GC, UK
"Hi there. Played POWERPLAY at Bellingham Golf Club on Saturday, great fun but drives you mad if you make a mess of your PowerPlay holes (like I did!). Thanks, David"
David Cowan, Bellingham GC, UK
"Won the first ever PowerPlay at Rothbury golf club, on Sat 27 Oct. Great day out, good food and a very tight competition. Lovely trophy! At present I am a member at Rothbury. This course was, until last year, a 9 hole course, now 18. Great work from all greenstaff and committee members to get this lovely course established as one of the most chalanging in the north east. I am 28 hcap and all the comps i have entered this year i have just not been able to keep it together to get my handicap down, next time maybe. I scored 32 in the PowerPlay and it could have be a lot more as i fluffed a PowerPlay par 3! Ken"
Ken Stokoe, PowerPlay Golf champion, Rothbury GC, UK
"I found the format for PowerPlay Golf to be excellent, mainly because you need to concentrate more when the PowerPlay holes come up. As you can see from my score card I managed to score 2 six pointers and 1 eight pointer on my three PowerPlay holes. I think this format makes for a more challenging game."
Andy Lansdale, PowerPlay Golf champion, Bawburgh Golf Club
(The next 10 reviews are taken from an English Golf Union training day at Playgolf Northwick Park, London, UK, in 2007)
"Great for getting in the mode of making birdies and committing to the shot."
"Very good for course management, shot selection and knowing when to attack the Black Flags or play safe."
"It has a big advantage: you're never out of the tournament because of the large amount of points on offer."
"Good fun - makes you think more, and it's very challenging at times."
"You need to strategically plan when to use your PowerPlays - you can be very attacking, but you must also be very careful."
"Improves your iron play, makes the game more exciting!"
"You need more concentration when aiming at the PowerPlay Black Flags."
"PowerPlay Golf really rewards you for great shots under pressure. Great practice for when you need a birdie down the last to win!"
"Great preparation for pressure situations. The last hole SuperPlay is great, and can move your points score way up."
"Requires complete concentration, rewards good shots and punishes bad shots and bad decisions..."
Golf Club Reviews
The PowerPlay event in St. Margaret's was a huge success and certainly was enjoyed by those who played and is being talked about by those who missed it. Also sincere Thanks to you, for making the time to come out on the day to see everyone off the Tee, and for explaining the rules to one and all. It really is good to see something NEW happening in the Golf world. Ronan Walsh
General Manager, St Margaret's Golf & Country Club, Ireland
We had a fantastic first event with approximately 100 golfers enjoying the new format. Some were a little shy in returning their score cards! but I have entered the points for those that did. We had nothing but excellent feedback from everyone that played and there was a real buzz around the course and clubhouse for the whole day. The new format was a real hit with our members and they are already looking forward to the next event.
Alison Evans
Capel Bangor Golf and Country Club
Brilliant evening,
poured with rain,
no one noticed, members want to run PowerPlay again soon.
Lance Quantrill
Secretary, Oundle Golf Club
The PowerPlay Golf event at The Bristol Golf Club had excellent support from the members, with everyone enjoying the exciting new format. The club is looking forward to holding several events in the future, with an event to be held on The Little Bristol in October.
David Griffin
Director of Golf, The Bristol Golf Club
All of the players really enjoyed the PowerPlay Golf format and are already discussing getting various different tournaments organised throughout the calender to incorporate the format. As a club we are looking at running our own competition, of which ideas are still being discussed.
Dave, Abbotsley Golf Club, Proshop
I think this competition format would work really well on a Weekend morning, especially at this Golf Club.
Oak Park Golf Club Pro.
The Greenkeeper took great delight in finding some of the trickiest pin positions ever seen on Merrist Wood's undulating greens creating a truly tough challenge for all competitors.
Chris Donovan, Merrist Wood Golf Club
We had 40 competitors battle the wind and showers in the first PowerPlay Golf event here at Cams Hall. Everybody grasped the concept of the scoring and seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves.
Jason Neve, Professional, Cams Hall Golf Club
Everyone enjoyed the format, discussed over a post competition BBQ and presentation. By listening to the feedback both in the planning of the event and from the entrants on the day, this course will do very well from hosting a monthly competition both on a Weekday and also a Weekend, as many people were disappointed the competition was to be held during the week and therefore unable to attend. All in all a real success and definitely a format we will promote for the future.
Tom Brooke, Traditions Golf Course
17 Competitors took part in total. The format was thoroughly enjoyed by all. If only the football afterwards had been as enjoyable!!!!!
Russell Mayne, Orpington Golf Centre
The feed back was very positive and there was a certain buzz in the Clubhouse after play, which certainly indicates that an annual event is beckoning.
Calum Callan, Director of Golf, Cottsemore Golf Club
General feedback from the players was great, every member and guest enjoyed the day thoroughly & were keen to know when the next PowerPlay tournament would next be taking place.
Ben Stimson, Paultons Golf Centre
We had a fantastic PowerPlay Golf evening at the club with 37 competitors taking part in what was a very enjoyable evening. The event was a real success and has generated a really good atmosphere around the club.
Graeme Humphries, The Vale Golf Centre
A shorter form of golf is welcomed. I am sure that many golf clubs will play PowerPlay Golf. The club representatives at Dalmahoy all gave positive vibes about the game, and I am delighted to hear that there is great interest on a worldwide basis.
Alison White, R&A
It was very evident from early pilots being played that one of the most pertinent factors to come out of the game is that players' course management is tested more stringently, particularly when a black flag position is approached. We are keen to develop our elite players' course management skills and PowerPlay Golf is an excellent way to help us to achieve this.
Peter Mattsson, EGU Director of Coaching (Peter Mattsson arranged for the EGU Elite Squad the England Golf Team to use PowerPlay Golf)
Thank you for a most enjoyable, and informative day. The concept will take off! Clubs such as The Kendleshire are really suited for it, the 9 holes we played, could be left in "PowerPlay" mode full time.
Don Harmer, Gloucestershire County Golf Union
I found the concept interesting on the day and even more so, on a day's reflection. I can see it as a useful tool for clubs, societies, charity & corporate events to give an exciting additional choice of format. I will be very interested to try it out and see the reaction to it, particularly from juniors and particularly from County squad juniors.
Andrew Boyd, Worcestershire County Golf Union
I enjoyed playing it even though I am not your normal target market: it was more fun than I thought it would be!
Lynne Brearley, Hampshire Ladies County Golf Association
I enjoyed PowerPlay Golf, and I have enrolled one of our golf courses to pilot the format in Birmingham. (Peter Howard represents 7 municipal golf courses in the Birmingham area)
Peter Howard, Sport Business Systems & Golf Manager, Birmingham City Council
The PowerPlay Golf format is an interesting one which should add interest even at traditional Club level. I would hope to use the format from time to time in Club events eg Junior and Family competitions, as an alternative to evening Stablefords in the early/late season and perhaps as part of a Club sponsored corporate day. Like all new initiatives, it will take time to take hold and capture its niche in the market.
Chris Moore, Secretary, Royal Liverpool GC (Hoylake, venue for 2007 Open Championship)
I thoroughly enjoyed my game at Dalmahoy - the format is interesting and challenging, and involves players in using their handicaps wisely to gain maximum advantage. I think that a TV show would encourage golfers to try out the format - TV is so powerful and would cement your plans to get PowerPlay Golf established.
Graeme Maxwell, Castle Douglas GC
1. Very good presentation with excellent group feedback afterwards.
2. The idea has great potential especially at clubs with 27 holes.
3. For clubs with the basic 18 hole setup I believe the format will work well in off peak times (probably evenings).
Geoff Morgan, West Wilts
I thoroughly enjoyed the concept and can see it catching on especially on the time basis - speed of play has become a big issue. I can see it being used as a fun way to play when light is a problem and it could help to extend the "Corporate Season" if there is any desire to do so! Overall a novel concept and I can see the TV companies picking it up in preference to Skins which takes too long! The gamblers, especially in the Far East, will enjoy it.
David Sandford, Secretary, Bruntsfield Links GC
Thoroughly enjoyed my experience of PowerPlay Golf last Wednesday and the presentations. When I look back it does seem a simple format and I can't wait to try it again. It is nice to have something different. I have given Karen Rix - our Club Secretary - a positive feedback. I hope the club will register for the pack, as I would like our membership experience it to see if they find it as much fun as I did. I will keep up with progress on the website.
Mary Groves, Shirehampton Park GC
Many thanks for a very interesting day, I thought that the format as we tried it was very good and would have several applications, some of which you mentioned in your after lunch talk. My personal view is that PowerPlay Golf is suitable for stand-alone use for Friday night gatherings with an informal supper, etc, combining with normal 18 hole golf for society days, or possibly, a senior/veteran event combined with a social event. It might also be useful as a junior coaching vehicle for putting over the rules and etiquette of the game to youngsters combined with a presentation for new golfers.
Mike Brain, Hon Secretary, Tylney Park
Personally I enjoyed it - there is nothing I would change despite hearing all the different permutations but that will evolve as time goes by.
Rob Henderson, Manager, Lee-on-the-Solent Golf Club
As I got 32 points I guess it's great! I will be ordering the pack next week. Very good idea for lower handicappers who can manage their golf better and the Pros could make it much more interesting for TV as everyone likes to see gung ho approach to play. I will run a PowerPlay Golf Day.
Ian Ladbrooke (General Manager), Glen Lodge (Bawburgh) Ltd
I really enjoyed the event at South Winchester and I think PowerPlay Golf will do very well. We will definitely hold events at our club.
Gary Prince (Barton-on-Sea GC)
It is a great concept - it will be a boon for 9 hole courses or those with 3 or more loops of 9 holes.
Richard Penley-Martin M Inst GCM, Manager, Stoneham Golf Club
I look forward to giving the game every chance of succeeding at Wickham.
Jonathan Tubb, General Manager, Wickham Park Golf Club
I think PowerPlay Golf is a fabulous concept and we are awaiting our pack eagerly so that we can get started in promoting it to our summer green fee, holiday market on the Suffolk coast.
Charlie Damonsing, Proprietor (Thorpeness GC)
I thought the concept was very appealing. It's something new and exciting - it put a 'buzz' into the game. We'd like to go ahead and give it a bash.
Desmond Meharg, Golf Manager, East Dorset District Council , Moors Valley Golf Course
I believe I 'got it' . This year's Captain was enthusiastic based on my brief overview.
Allan McLundie, General Manager, Overstone Park
As we moved into the round I began to understand the appeal. We would like to be a part of it.
Peter Clarke, Manager, West Essex GC
People nowadays simply do not want to give five hours to a golf game two or three times a week. My golf course is the essential layout for PowerPlay Golf! Over to you!
Iain Robertson, Lochranza Golf - POWERPLAY GOLF 'SUPER VENUE'
Any initiative which encourages people into the game should be welcomed especially the younger element. The format I think was good and our club will almost certainly put on several events throughout the coming year. I have already ordered the packs as you know. I believe that golf clubs need to change if they are to survive and flourish in the future. I hope this is helpful and good luck with the promotions.
Steve Wilkins, Shirley GC
Enjoyed the morning - although not the weather! I spoke to our Pro this morning and he was excited by the concept. I am playing a match semi-final tonight against the Handicap Chairman and will take the opportunity to talk to him. We already play Nite Golf here on Children in Need night (luminous balls and flags) and this would compliment a Summer evening event ... The Handicap Chairman has just walked in and has agreed to give it a try. How about that for feedback!! I will send off the application.
Martyn Senior, Secretary / Manager, Hesketh GC
PowerPlay Golf will have particularly wide appeal to our juniors and younger players.
Paul Johnson, Avro GC
Interesting concept, would go down well in Corporate days and club fun events. May well help 9 hole courses increase profile as many in Scotland are under pressure at the moment.
Brian Duguid, Dumfries & County GC
It was good to see that the people behind PowerPlay Golf are trying to bring some innovative thought to the game, helping spice up some very traditional formats. I hope it will be successful, we will certainly be trying it out at Slaley Hall.
Mark Stancer, De Vere Slaley Hall
We will give PowerPlay Golf a go at Bellingham. It will fit in well when we have a nine hole competition before a major sporting event - like a rugby test match - when we get everyone together for a quick game and then a social afternoon in the bar.
Jaimie Self, Secretary / Manager, Bellingham GC
Thoroughly enjoyed the session with you and having talked to my Handicap & Competitions chairman certainly think it is something we want to have a crack at. I plan to raise it at Captain's committee meeting on Monday evening and will hopefully get back to you later in the week.
Jonathan Steed, Brookmans Park GC
We will be signing up for the PowerPlay Golf scheme. I feel the main area for Power Play will be with the media - when televised it will be great viewing. When we have had our first tournament I will pass on more feedback from the members.
James King, Rudding Park GC
Pro Reviews
We received the following replies in August & September 2008, after our three PGA regional qualifying events.
Replies are reproduced here verbatim, including typos and spelling errors.
“Powerplay is a great format and I certainly enjoyed playing at wildwood in the pga qualifier. I would say that however, I made it to the shoot out!!
My members loved the event that I organised for them and with the packs that you send through, the event run smoothly. We have decided to turn one of our monthly medals in to a powerplay event indefinitley.
Keep doing what your doing, it works.
See you at frilford
Rob Brightman”
“Hi, it was a really good day, enjoyed the format and can see a real place for it in a clubs calendar.
Thanks jamie”
“Hi Andy,
I really enjoyed the format, although the golf wasn’t too good! It added a lot more fun to the game of golf.
In terms of holding a day at Leatherhead, I was so impressed I sent an email to all our members early afternoon asking if anyone would be interested and within an hour out of the 300 email I send I received around 10-15 replies saying that would like to give it a go.
I was actually going to send my starter pack tomorrow with a cheque hopefully, although I need to chase up the account department at work. So within the near future we will be holding a PowerPlay Golf Day! PS: The pictures you took yesterday is there anyway of getting hold of the ones with myself in them?
Regards: Adrian Stuart, Assistant Professional, “
“dear all,
yes i enjoyed it and am looking forward to the finals.
im sure it will grow, i think the best thing is the ability to make a valid challenge over 9 holes. golf does take too much time these days….
good luck!”
“Hi Andy
thank you for the chance to experience the game of PPG
I do think there are many merits to this game and the game is simple to understand and exciting, we at Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council are seriously looking at introducing the game to our courses next season.
I do like the idea of losing points at the last and think that part works really well.
thank you again for the oportunity to experiance PP golf
Regards
David Copsey
PGA Golf Professional
DCGS Group Limited
Poult Wood Golf Centre, Tonbridge”
“Hi,
i think its a very good way of playing golf.
On getting the hang of the game it was not hard to understand.
When opting for the Power Play yes there was extra pressure on the play, especially on the last play where you can lose points.
The days format was very good as it is a risk and reward game and you only have 9 holes to do so.
From a clubs point of view I think it can be very enjoyable and lots of fun. I would explain it as a fun way to play golf, other than the way we play it everyday with a twist.
Regard
JD”
“Hi Andy, The day was run very smoothly and I didn’t hear of anyone complaining, which believe me is a first for a PGA event!
- I definately got the hang of it quickly as I only found out the full rules of the event from Peter on the first tee.
- I did feel extra pressure on the powerplay holes, but tried to forget about how important the double points are and concentrate on keeping the ball in play to give myself the best possible chance of birdie. But I can imagine some amateurs to struggle with this. Especially my brother!
- The days format was very good.
- Club golfers will definately like it as it brings something different to their normal game, and can have a lot of fun, even when they think they might be out of it!
Looking forward to the finals at Frilford!
See you there.
Phil”
“Hi Andy,
As regard your questions-
a) The rules were easy to follow and it did not take long to embrace the format.
b) Not sure during the round I felt extra ‘pressure’; I feel though I may have tried harder to ensure a birdie on PP Holes esp during the puts.(Mind you, I felt pressure on the shoot out hole..Missed what I thought was a tap in for a birdie .It Hurts still!)
c)Format was spot on. 9 holes then a ‘breather’ was great (I’m not the fittest at the moment!).
d) Club golfers should love it as it does not detract from their own game..as in foresomes, better balls, best two from four, etc, etc.
e) I would describe PPG as an ‘exciting, serious alternative to strokeplay and matchplay combining both strategies and eventualities’. most of all it was a refreshing change, really good fun.
f) One comment would be that I personally thought that shorter length courses would be more fun as like Bransford. Just because it gave everybody chances of birdies. Reward came from good planning and good golf shots..not just a power test.
I hope this helps in some way.
I would also like to say that the day was friendly and well organised. I felt very looked after by you and you guys. I look forward to hopefully getting to the shoot out at Frilford Heath!
All the best
Marc Wheeler”
“Hi Andy
Thanks for sponsoring the event at Bransford. I enjoyed the power play golf format, and was pleased to win £100!
I Especially enjoyed the pm round, cos I understood it much better.
Yes there was much more pressure when going for the black flags.
The day’s format was fine.
The idea of the top 6 going into a shootout was very good. I can certainly see how this could be good television, with the top pros playing.
Putting for 6 points for a birdie and 2 points for a par was extra pressure.
The whole game revolves around birdies at the power play holes.
If you birdie one it is huge.
As you nominate a Power Play on the tee, it is essential to have walked the course before play. I played the course blind in the morning and it was just guesswork.
I know that you have put a lot of thought into this and you have devised a Power Play game that works. I can’t think of how I would change it for the better, So I can’t see how I can criticise it.
Good luck with your future events. I will read my info pack
