Ahead of the inaugural GolfSixes, europeantour.com takes a closer look at first-time host venue Centurion Club and the six holes on which battle will be waged this week in England.
With 16 international two-man teams set to duke it out in a quick-fire, greensomes format across a custom six-hole loop at the venue north of London, and a myriad of innovations and activities planned for even more entertainment, it’s going to be some week…
HOLE ONE: ‘SHOWTIME’
Hole 1️⃣ at @CenturionClub is ready ✅
— Golf Sixes (@GolfSixes) 4 May 2017
We're ready ✅
Hurry up, weekend ⏱ pic.twitter.com/5SEq7TZdH3
Par:3
Length:166 yards
About:“A short one into the largest green of the six holes,” says Centurion Club Managing Director and former pro Scott Evans. “There are a few subtle borrows on that green with everything falling away to the right. You’d do well to play down the left side and it will probably play a seven or eight iron depending on the wind. There should be a great atmosphere with the crowds on the banks around the green. A good starting hole.”
Innovation:Every big show needs a big start and this hole will deliver that and more. Players will make a grand entrance to the first with music and pyrotechnics plus grandstands and big screens around both tee and green.
HOLE TWO: ‘BIRDIES FOR GOOD’
Hole 2️⃣ where every birdie this week will raise £500 for the #BirdiesForGood charity. pic.twitter.com/s9PB5b69sG
— Golf Sixes (@GolfSixes) 5 May 2017
Par:4
Length:476 yards
About:“Normally a par five for the members here. It’s usually downwind but it’ll be against this weekend. That’ll be about a drive and a five iron for these guys this week into the wind probably, but it can be as short as a drive and a wedge when downwind into a good green. Depending on conditions it can be a good birdie hole which should hopefully make for some decent charitable donations!”
Innovation:The European Tour’s charitable initiative takes centre stage with donations to charity and giveaways for the crowd when birdies are carded on this par four.
HOLE THREE: ‘POWER’
Hole 3️⃣ where a long drive challenge will be running throughout the week.
— Golf Sixes (@GolfSixes) 5 May 2017
Which player do you think will be the longest? pic.twitter.com/tEoQeMCTR8
Par:5
Length:516 yards
About:“Downwind at the moment, it will probably play about a drive and a three or four iron up the hill. Definitely reachable in any conditions so expect a lot of birdies, eagles and excitement here. Something of a centrepiece, it’s another good crowd spot and binds the six holes together.”
Innovation:In addition to the overall match, there’s an extra leaderboard on this par five with players set to demonstrate their power with an on-going long drive competition.
HOLE FOUR: ‘SHOT CLOCK’
Welcome to #GolfSixes hole number 4️⃣
— Golf Sixes (@GolfSixes) 4 May 2017
...where every shot is played against the ⏱! pic.twitter.com/UmPcS21wAD
Par:4
Length:436 yards
About:“A very tough drive here with water left and right and a bunker in the middle of the fairway. They’ll have to position it about 150 yards out from the green. Quite a big slope across the green so even if you find the putting surface it’s not a gimme birdie.”
Innovation:Speed is of the essence here with a shot clock counting down from 40 seconds for each shot. There will be a stroke penalty for any breach of time, with digital clocks displayed at the green, fairway and tee.
HOLE FIVE: ‘ACCURACY’
Hole 5️⃣ where pros will be competiting in a closest to the hole contest all weekend.
— Golf Sixes (@GolfSixes) 5 May 2017
But who will hit closest? pic.twitter.com/d9BauBSM33
Par:3
Length:136 yards
About:“The shortest hole on the golf course when it plays as an 18-holer. It’ll be a wedge or a nine iron and I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a hole-in-one here this week, certainly with a front pin position and a slope behind, all the shots will feed down towards the hole. Water down the left and bunkers around the green but it should be a fun hole.”
Innovation:This time, it’s about getting closest to the pin for the professionals, while fans can also take in the action from the Jamesons Irish Whisky Bar on hole five.
HOLE SIX: ‘FINALE’
Where it all ends.
— Golf Sixes (@GolfSixes) 5 May 2017
Hole 6️⃣ is a beast of a par five. pic.twitter.com/23DzyphBlO
Par:5
Length:546 yards
About:“If it’s downwind it’ll be reachable in two shots and it’s going to be fun, too. Expect loads of birdies here and if there’s a play-off, we’ve got a custom 166-yard par three to this green which will be a great hole in its own right. There’s water to clear by the green but there should be some good finishes here.”
Innovation:The Big Finish. The final hole on the six-hole circuit will feature live post-match interviews. On Sunday, in the knockout ties, any play-offs will tee off from a special tee box while the trophy presentation will take place on a balcony overlooking the green.
