(Carmel, California) June 21, 2011 – On the heels of its star-studded global debut, which featured world-class golfers in a dramatic finish televised live in more than 30 countries, PowerPlay Golf is riding a wave of enthusiasm into the United States.
By registering as a PowerPlay Golf Official Venue, golf clubs and courses across the country can now replicate the excitement that the innovative nine-hole, risk-reward format demonstrated May 30, when Sweden’s newest rising star, Caroline Hedwall, reeled off a late barrage of six-point PowerPlay birdies to overtake Ian Poulter and Paula Creamer at Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course in South Wales.
And with more than 70 percent of golfers in a March 2011 survey by Opinion Matters indicating they would play a shorter format of the game, PowerPlay Golf is ready to become an invigorating force in golf’s resurgence, by partnering with venues to drive participation and create new interest in golf throughout North America.
PowerPlay Golf’s format is competitive and strategic, featuring two flagsticks on every green and designed specifically for nine holes, instead of the customary 18, using the Stableford points system. There are three key elements to the game:
• At each tee, golfers declare whether they are playing to the regulation hole placement, designated by a White Flag, or will try to score extra points by playing to the more difficult placement, marked by a Black Flag.
• Opting for the Black Flag is called a “PowerPlay,” with each player required to designate three PowerPlays for the first eight holes.
• The ninth hole provides the chance to score extra points with a final PowerPlay, but also is the only hole where points can be lost (with a bogey, or worse).
PowerPlay Golf (PPG) is investing $6 million in its global launch in 2011, so golfers in the U.S. are going to become very aware of this format and the new alternative playing opportunity. Two more live made-for-television events, again featuring PGA and LPGA Tour stars, are to be aired this year with a further seven to follow in 2012. The format’s growing visibility continues to attract interest in clubs and courses that wish to become a PowerPlay Golf Official Venue. Each venue is listed on the PPG website and has marketing rights, with PPG representatives available for assistance and guidance.
Each PowerPlay Golf Official Venue receives the following equipment:
• 18 PPG Flags (9/White, 9/Black)
• 100 PPG Pocket Player’s Guides
• 1 PPG Event Organizer Resource Pack
• 5 double-sided PPG posters (to promote PPG events, player signups)
• PPG Official Venue Window Sticker
• PPG USB Memory Stick (containing images, logos, documents and other useful tools)
The appeal of being a PowerPlay Golf Official Venue includes being able to offer an authentic competition over nine holes, creating excitement while saving time. Organizers hope that the combined marketing attack of high-visibility TV events with superstars and widespread grass roots activity will generate increased rounds, with one goal being to attract lapsed golfers who have left the sport due to time constraints. Venues can use PPG to grow incremental green fee income by extending the tee sheet and offering 9-hole golf later in the day, and the format offers a new avenue for social, charitable and corporate golf business.
For more information about PowerPlay Golf and PPG Official Venues in the United States, call (831) 250-7949 or visit www.powerplay-golf.com
Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
Office (908) 876-5100
Mobile (908) 963-6013
karen.moraghan@hunter-pr.com
