Short-format 'GolfSixes' attracts newer, younger fans

Home > News > Short-format 'GolfSixes' attracts newer, younger fans
January 02, 2018
Posted on
May 8, 2018
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The Editorial Team in
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

January 02, 2018

The shorter format of GolfSixes attracts younger, newer fans to the game and creates impressive social media engagement according to a new analysis by the European Tour.

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Data from last year's inaugural competition shows a 42% increase in new golf fans at the event compared to standard European Tour tournaments, attendees were also 14% younger. With a younger audience social media engagement around the event was also 24% above the averate rate seen at other European Tour events, delivering 20 million social impressions.

As a result of these positive findings GolfSixes will return to the European Tour calender in May as an inclusive 'festival of golf' to encourage even more fan engagement and will feature a junior tournament. The event will be hosted at the prestigious Century Club once again.

According to Nathan Homer, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer of the European Tour: “GolfSixes combines the camaraderie and intrigue of team golf with the drama and intensity of a shorter format. The players love it, and the fans enjoy the different, more entertaining atmosphere. Last year we tested the concept and this year we will dial up the fan engagement still further."

“Golf needs a route for younger fans, groups of adults and families to get involved. We know that GolfSixes appeals to those audiences while still offering something to our die-hard fans. We have to keep innovating in order to grow our appeal and the statistics suggest GolfSixes can have a powerful presence in the golfing calendar.”

The Tour has also committed to running a special showcase event at the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris to bring the GolfSixes concept to a global audience.

Nathan Homer added: “The Ryder Cup transcends all sport and is one of the most prestigious sporting events on the planet. It is the perfect platform to introduce a wide cross-section of sports fans to GolfSixes. Setting aside time in The Ryder Cup schedule for it demonstrates our commitment to the concept and our firm belief it has long term potential.”

The GolfSixes Festival will be played on 5th and 6th May 2018 at the Centurion Club, north of London, with the professional tournament featuring 16 nations playing in pairs. The event will see the return of the hugely successful shot clock and a fan zone in the middle of the tournament course, as well as a junior event and will also offer the opportunity for amateurs to compete alongside the professionals over the weekend.

Homer concluded: “GolfSixes is still in the early stages of its development but the combination of player feedback and tournament data suggests it is here to stay. Innovation is vital for golf to continue to grow its fan base and we look forward to seeing how the next iteration of GolfSixes will support that goal.”

Scott Evans, Managing Director, Centurion Club said: “We’re hugely excited to be part of this innovation in the game, helping to influence and shape the future of golf. As the venue last year we received terrific feedback from spectators and players alike, so building on this success is incredibly important to us. From our golf course to the facilities on offer, we’re committed to being the perfect stage for this revolutionary golf concept.”

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About The Editorial Team

The editorial team at Golf Today strives to provide readers with captivating content that celebrates the rich heritage and exciting developments in the world of golf. Their collective expertise and dedication ensure that Golf Today remains a premier destination for golf enthusiasts seeking the latest news, insightful analysis, and engaging stories from the world of golf.

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