07 February 2007 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POWERPLAY GOLF LAUNCHED AT NORTHWICK PARK

Double flag format rewards risk-taking in golf’s answer to Twenty20 cricket

PowerPlay Golf – a shorter, more exciting way to enjoy golf – was launched today by Playgolf at their revolutionary Northwick Park golf centre.

Already famous for Northwick Park, where eight world-famous replica holes accompany a state-of-the-art practice facility, Playgolf have launched PowerPlay Golf in a bid to create golf’s answer to Twenty20 cricket and Rugby 7s – both exciting, abridged versions of their sport.

Playgolf Director Peter McEvoy said: “PowerPlay Golf offers a shorter, exciting version of golf where elements of risk and reward are enhanced. This is the golfing version of Twenty20 cricket, which galvanised cricket in the UK and has become a worldwide phenomenon, attracting huge crowds and introducing thousands of people to the sport.

“In a century where people find it increasingly difficult to devote large chunks of time to leisure activities, many are attracted to playing and watching shortened, more exciting and glamorous versions of their favourite sports.”

“We have been trying to find a way of introducing this principle to golf and we believe we have found it.”

PowerPlay Golf is played over 9 holes, with two flags in each green – one white, one black – with the black flag representing the more difficult pin position.

At the start of a hole, players nominate which flag they are aiming for, and double their Stableford score on ‘black flag holes’ provided they score a gross/net birdie or better.

They must select the black flag option at least, and no more than, three times during the round – creating ‘powerplay’ opportunities.

The final hole represents a bonus fourth and final ‘powerplay’ opportunity – with an additional scoring twist.

On the final hole, a 30ft diameter circle is placed around the black flag and a player can elect to go for the circle. If he successfully lands inside in stroke regulation, he gains an additional 3 bonus points. But if he misses, he loses two points.

David Piggins, Playgolf Chief Executive, said: “Playgolf Northwick Park is the ideal venue at which to launch PowerPlay Golf.

“The essence of why famous holes like the Postage Stamp are famous really jumps out at players. So the difference here in black pin positions over white makes a player’s choice quite important. We feel nine holes is the right number to play. After all, PowerPlay Golf needs to be a shorter, more vibrant form of the game.”

A pilot event of PowerPlay Golf will be played through Middlesex golf clubs this year, culminating in a final at Playgolf Northwick Park.

Playgolf hopes the PowerPlay Golf format will eventually be adopted by golf clubs throughout the world, establishing a community of golfers who embrace the risk and reward culture and shortened version.

Added Peter McEvoy: “I can easily see golf clubs staging regular PowerPlay Golf events as part of their annual competitions schedule.

“We are in discussions about creating a Professional PowerPlay Golf event and believe it has enormous TV potential. Twenty20 cricket created a huge buzz in cricket from a standing start and we hope PowerPlay Golf will have the same impact in golf."

Peter McEvoy, PowerPlay Golf, +44 (0)1684 291345, golf@powerplay-golf.com