05 March 2007

EGU TO USE ‘POWERPLAY GOLF’ IN COACHING SCHEDULE
New way to play golf forms integral part of training regime for England Elite

The English Golf Union’s Elite squad is to visit Middlesex venue Playgolf Northwick Park in spring 2007 to use the revolutionary new PowerPlay Golf format as part of their comprehensive coaching schedule.

Launched at Playgolf Northwick Park on February 7, PowerPlay Golf has become a worldwide phenomenon, receiving press coverage around the globe including Sydney, Buenos Aires, Singapore and Qatar. In the format, each green has two flags - one white and one black. 

Play is by the stableford system but bonuses of double points are paid to successful players to the black flags, which are tucked away in more difficult positions.

Peter Mattsson, EGU Director of Coaching, decided to introduce the new way to play golf to his coaching schedule to test his players’ course management skills.

He said: “I met Peter McEvoy at Playgolf Northwick Park and we discussed PowerPlay Golf.  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 McEvoy OBE, Managing Director of PowerPlay Golf, is delighted that the Elite squad, which contains 11 of Britain’s best amateur golfers, will hone their skills at Playgolf Northwick Park, the unique golf course in Harrow, London, and official home of PowerPlay Golf in England.

Said Peter, former Walker Cup captain: “PowerPlay Golf was designed to introduce an enhanced element of risk and reward to the game - if you like, golf’s version of Twenty20 cricket.
 
“The black flag positions demand greater attention than normal and the Elite players will need to think carefully about how to attack them and, more crucially, where not to miss greens. 

“It is proving to be not only great fun, but an educational element for golfers of all abilities.”

PowerPlay Golf is played over nine holes and players must nominate three black flag ‘powerplays’ during the round. Double stableford points are scored for net birdies or better.

Playgolf Holdings plc Chief Executive, David Piggins, said: “We are delighted that PowerPlay Golf has come to Playgolf Northwick Park, they go together like bacon and eggs. The famous holes that we have honoured here have achieved their global status in part because of their challenging greens and variety of pin positions. The PowerPlay Golf format is a perfect fit for our golf course, and we are also thrilled to be hosting the EGU and the England elite team this spring.”

Many golfers are hailing it as the future of golf, with the potential to change the face of the sport, as Twenty20 did for cricket.

>>> Ends.

Company Contacts:

Peter McEvoy, PowerPlay Golf

Tel: +44 (0) 1684 291345 / +44 (0) 7836 314911

Email: sportingconcepts@btconnect.com

David Piggins, Playgolf Holdings plc

Tel: +44 (0) 1926 422320

Email: davidpiggins@playgolfworld.com

Peter Mattsson, EGU Director of Coaching

Tel: +44 (0) 1526 354500

Email: pmattsson@englishgolfunion.org

Lynne Fraser, EGU Marketing & Public Relations Manager

Tel: +44 (0) 1526 354500

Email: lfraser@englishgolfunion.org

Media Contact:

Andy Hiseman, Hiseman Partners

Tel: +44 (0) 1780 757461

Email: andy@hiseman.com

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