Ramsay’s backing launchof GolfSixes
SCOTTISH golfer Richie Ramsay believes the governing bodies have been “sleeping at the wheel” as the sport’s search for its version of Twenty20 cricket begins in earnest.
This weekend’s inaugural GolfSixes will feature 16 two-man teams, each representing their country, competing over six holes in a greensomes matchplay format, where the teams select their best tee shot and then play alternate shots.
The teams have been split into four groups of four, with the top two from each advancing to tomorrow’s knockout stages, when the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final will all be played.
Each of the six holes has its own theme, including a long-drive contest, nearest the pin and a shot clock where players will be penalised a shot for exceeding a 40-second time limit.
Ramsey, who represents Scotland alongside Marc Warren, welcomed the event at St Albans and said: “It’s different. It’s been a long time in coming.
“I’m not going to turn round and say GolfSixes is the answer to solving golf ’s problems but it’s a step in the right direction. There is action being taken.
“I don’t know how blunt I can be but I think there’s been a lot of people sleeping at the wheel. A lot of different bodies have not been doing anything on this.
“They go on about, ‘This is a problem and that is a problem’ but you have to take action.
“Last week they had the Zurich (Classic of New Orleans) which was maybe the first time I’ve seen the PGA Tour copy the European Tour – that validates what we are doing.
“Hopefully we can take the good things from this and make it work.”
Chris Wood, who will represent England alongside Andy Sullivan, has made it clear he is not a fan of some of the innovations on show.
But the 29-year-old said: “Any time the Tour are willing to make some changes and try something different I’m willing to support it.”