CROWN GOLF TO SPONSOR NATIONAL ‘POWERPLAY GOLF’ CHAMPIONSHIPS

Europe's #1 golf operator to host national 9-hole, 2-flag championships

The growing impact of PowerPlay Golf on the nation’s sporting summer was highlighted today, with the announcement of a major sponsor and a national championship.

The breakthrough 9-hole, 2-flag PowerPlay Golf format replicates Tour golf levels of decision-making and pressure with its exciting ‘risk and reward’ based challenges.

Crown Golf - Europe’s largest golf course operator with 32 facilities incorporating 56 golf courses - will sponsor the event, which will see golfers of all abilities teeing up in the inaugural National PowerPlay Golf Championships in late August 2007.

The Championships are open to all male and female golfers in the UK, of any age, with a male handicap limit 28 and 36 for women and juniors. Entry to the tournament is free for Crown Golf members, and £10 for non-members. Event dates range from August 22nd to 29th, with full details on the soon-to-be-launched PowerPlay Golf website at www.powerplay-golf.com.

Prizes will go to the top three finishers at each tournament, with the top two also winning a place in the Grand Final, at Hampton Court Palace Golf Club on Sunday 16th September.

Peter McEvoy OBE, the three-time Walker Cup-winning captain who devised the PowerPlay Golf format, said: “I’m staggered at how far we’ve come with PowerPlay Golf in such a short time and what a hit it’s been with ordinary golfers,” he explained. “Golf can learn from the success of Twenty20 cricket, which has invigorated that sport. Like Twenty20, PowerPlay Golf is an attacking form of the classic game, in a timescale more suited to modern life. Crown Golf share our belief that golf must keep evolving, and that golfers should be offered a quicker experience that still gives them the satisfying thrill of a proper competition. I’m looking forward to working with Crown Golf to create a memorable summer golf event.”

PowerPlay Golf is a 9-hole ‘risk and reward’ format which rewards intelligent course management and attacking golf. There are two flags on each green - an easily-positioned white flag, and a black flag in a tougher spot. Golfers must PowerPlay to the black flag exactly three times in the first eight holes. Scoring is by Stableford, with double points for net birdies or better on PowerPlays. An optional bonus PowerPlay on the ninth hole offers yet more points, but potential penalty points too. It makes for a strategic and exciting game in which a horrible score can turn into a great one in the space of one hole.

Crown Golf CEO Peter Manby said: “Crown Golf are committed to shaping the future of golf, and in our view a shortened, exciting and strategic game such as PowerPlay Golf helps us in that quest. We are looking forward to welcoming our members, potential new members and visitors as they share the PowerPlay Golf experience across the Crown Golf group in August 2007.”

Peter McEvoy, PowerPlay Golf, +44 (0)1684 291345, golf@powerplay-golf.com
Nick Moran, Crown Golf, +44 (0)1344 312500, n.moran@crown-golf.co.uk

Crown Golf (www.crown-golf.co.uk) is the largest golf course operator in Europe, with 32 existing properties in its portfolio and further exciting development plans. With pride in customer service and innovation, it aims to provide an outstanding golf experience for its members and visitors, tailor-made to suit the lifestyles and needs of a wide range of golfers in the 21st century.