Australia will launch a brand new short-format golf occasion involving 10 city-based groups that its backers hope will revolutionise the game and broaden its viewers. The Ultra Golf Championship (UGC) will debut in December 2023, with groups competing over 9 holes somewhat than the same old 18, the PGA Tour of Australasia, which is sanctioning the occasion, mentioned on Tuesday.

The idea, echoing the rapid-fire Twenty20 format that has shaken up world cricket, was designed by Australian businessman and UGC founder Deke Smith, and will probably be promoted by the native tour. “This is an event we are passionate about and it continues to align with our innovation in the game in Australia,” PGA Tour of Australasia Tournaments Director Nick Dastey mentioned.

“We know once this world first format has some of the best players in the world showcasing it on TV next year, Ultra Golf Championship will become a part of all golf fans’ life through both professional and amateur golf.” The UGC follows the launch of the Saudi-backed LIV collection which has lured away lots of the sport’s greatest names from the established U.S. and European excursions by providing large prizemoney for 54-hole occasions.

The UGC is closely geared in the direction of Asian markets with seven groups from the continent, together with Delhi Drivers, Tokyo Royals, Shanghai Jets and Seoul Condors. Non-Asian groups are the London Lasers, Los Angeles Eagles and New York Tigers.

Four-player groups are break up into pairs for the competitors, which runs over 4 days. The scoring format is a serious departure from conventional stroke play, with groups given 10 factors for a hole-in-one, eight for an albatross, six for an eagle, 4 for a birdie and two for a par. The rounds will embody 4 “feature hole opportunities” the place groups can earn further factors for the longest drive or double factors for profitable a nominated “power-play” gap.

After seven minor rounds, the highest 4 groups will play off in a “finals” collection. Organisers have but to repair dates and venues, and didn’t supply particulars of prizemoney or broadcasting preparations.

However, they are saying the format will attraction to a youthful viewers extra amenable to a outcome “in two hours of golf”. “We see parochial sports fans getting behind their own city team,” mentioned founder Smith.

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