Richie wants to get to final this year after semi defeat

Richie Ramsay is taking GolfSixes seriously all right, as he attempts to go one better than last year’s semi-final defeat, writes Steve Scott.

“I got up at six this morning and went to the gym and I wouldn’t be doing that if I wasn’t energised to try and be successful this week,” said the Aberdonian, who has swapped partners from Marc Warren to Scott Jamieson for his second attempt on the innovative new format.

“But you’re more chilled in this, I think it’s the matchplay and you don’t feel with one shot, your tournament is on the line.”

The greensomes format and six-hole contest does keep you on your toes, however.

“One of our matches last year turned on a dime in five, 10 minutes,” he said.

“Somebody holed a long putt on the first, and then Marc followed them in, and then we won two holes and we were cruising, but if we’d gone down early you’re behind the 8-ball a bit already.

“Fast starts are really important. You have to be aggressive too because birdies are the only things that are going to win holes, really.”

Ramsay has long been in favour of more innovation and for golf going to different markets, so he’s very much in favour of this kind of event.

“72 holes will always be the core, but just think outside the box,” he said. “Play in Dubai with a Senior Tour player, or a sponsor, or one of the girls, maybe play under lights.

“There’s lots of potential for stuff like that, there are markets there for the taking, and we need to do it now.

“Research in Scotland shows women are massively under-represented in golf and this is a huge opportunity. I genuinely believe we could also have junior and senior teams in here.

“This format has longevity in it. I’m not saying it’s the answer to all golf’s problems, but you could take this format anywhere, to places where people are who might not otherwise be attracted to golf.”

The national team element is also appealing to Ramsay.

“When I was younger, my goal was to play in the old Dunhill Cup because I used to go and watch that every year,” he said. “Representing your country, any time you can do that, is a really good thing and you should be proud to turn up and play.”

The Scots have not been drawn with the women’s teams, and will play Ireland, Italy and France today.

“I know the guys we’ve spoken to aren’t quite sure what to expect from the women’s teams and the captains’ team,” said Jamieson.

“We don’t know if we’ve got a good draw or a bad draw. But over six holes every match is going to be tough.”