You remember golf? Well GolfSixes is here to make you question everything you thought you knew about the sport.
The new tournament sees 16 countries, each represented by two players, compete in a group stage and knockout format over two days, and employs greensomes rules, where the teams select their best tee shot and play alternate strokes thereafter.
But that only tells half the story of the world of fun that awaits the golfers and fans.
Golf… but not as you know it ??#GolfSixes pic.twitter.com/P9uNAGJYPS
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 6, 2017
As you can see, it’s a pretty relaxed event. Here’s how they like to get play under way.
We. Are. Go. ???? pic.twitter.com/GMWbSzrIki
— Golf Sixes (@GolfSixes) May 7, 2017
This is no ordinary golf tournament.
The teams play “six holes with six different personalities” according to the tournament website, and they’re not exaggerating.
Hole two for example offers a charity engagement for each birdie – by the close of play on Saturday £4,500 had been raised thanks to nine birdies.
Hole three offers a longest drive competition with a leaderboard, while hole four boasts a 40 second shot clock, with a stroke penalty for anyone who goes over it.
Here’s Paul Peterson of the USA being penalised.
? Tick tock…
Paul Peterson's shot clock penalty. Keep your eye on Bradley Dredge ?? pic.twitter.com/16BnJY7o6H
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 6, 2017
Going for your tee while your ball is still rising… pic.twitter.com/djA1e72VAk
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 7, 2017
Despite all the new ideas, such as big screens, music and hosts engaging with the crowd, some things never change. England’s pairing of Chris Wood and Andy Sullivan won their group, but were beaten at the quarter-final stage by Italy.
England lose 2-1 to Italy in the quarter-finals. It was ever thus #golfsixes
— Phil Casey (@pcaseysafc) May 7, 2017
This giant six always seems to be lurking in the background, giving us the thumbs up. Creepy.
Best. Mascot. Ever.#GolfSixes pic.twitter.com/cxcOMJHHq7
— Golf Sixes (@GolfSixes) May 7, 2017
The tournament offers a €1 million prize, as well as this giant six.
The prize awaiting the first #GolfSixes victors ??6? pic.twitter.com/fgMCPVlxF4
— Golf Sixes (@GolfSixes) May 7, 2017
It’s fair to say the players involved have enjoyed the experience – can you imagine Rory McIlroy doing this at the Open?
Top speed ??
Cart cam: 20mph
Jamie Donaldson: 15mph#GolfSixes pic.twitter.com/0BrWhK8RbF— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 6, 2017
And Judy Murray’s a big fan too.
Well done golf…..fast, furious, fun. Sport meets entertainment. It's the way to get to new audiences. ?? https://t.co/mAQmOKwjAv
— judy murray (@JudyMurray) May 6, 2017
Is GolfSixes the sport’s own version of Twenty20 cricket?