Golf

Padraig Harrington gives his backing to nine-hole golf

Three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington  
Three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington   Three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington  

NINE-HOLE golf could be the new championship game, it seems and it is given a sound endorsement by none other than triple Major winner and the R&A's Working for Golf ambassador Pádraig Harrington.

The R&A is demonstrating its support for the short-course game as the ideal way to play golf in less time and do so competitively, so they are introducing a new championship on the Ayrshire links at Royal Troon on the eve of this summer’s British Open Championship.

Next year, the event will be expanded to cover golf clubs throughout Britain and Ireland, when players will have the opportunity to qualify at nine-hole events held by the R&A national-affiliated associations in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

“Many people who want to play golf are increasingly struggling to find time to play, so positioning nine-hole golf as a legitimate alternative makes a lot of sense,” said Harrington.

“I'm really pleased to see the R&A taking the lead in this area.”

He added: “For regular amateur golfers to be able to play the Open venue, in championship conditions immediately before the best players in the world, is a fantastic initiative.”

The R&A's survey on the pace of play and the subsequent Time for Golf conference in St Andrew's last November highlighted the challenges many people face in finding time to play 18 holes, with 60 per cent of the golfers surveyed expressing the view that they would enjoy golf more if it took less time.

This year's event will have 30 golfers involved. Two players will qualify from tournamants held at each of the 13 Open regional qualifying venues. They will be joined by players from Royal Troon Golf Club and The Ladies' Golf Club.

The handicap event is open to men, women, boys and girls who are members of the clubs taking part.