On 13 October 2024, as the Hainan Open final round of the European Challenge Tour was in progress, a unique children’s golf event was held at the Sanya Dadonghai Shanhaitian JW Marriott Hotel.
Since its founding in 2017, the GolfSixes League children’s event has gained popularity across Europe. This tournament is designed for children, organised by schools or clubs, featuring a short six-hole format that introduces kids to the joy of golf in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Teams of two children compete to complete each hole with the fewest strokes, with the total score determining the winner.
That morning, 22 young golfers aged between 4 and 13 gathered at the hotel’s lush green lawn to take part in this novel event. They completed two par-3 holes, two par-4 holes, and two par-5 holes, with the best score being -10. Many of the players had previous golf experience, while others were playing for the first time. Through this event, the children not only learned more about golf and the importance of teamwork but also had great fun.
“This event was really innovative, unlike anything I’ve participated in before. For beginners, it’s easier to enjoy the game without feeling too rigid, and there’s a greater sense of achievement,” said Zhang Tianbin, a 13-year-old player who has been learning golf for nine years.
After the six-hole event, the children visited the Luhuitou Golf Club in Sanya to watch the final round of the Hainan Open European Challenge Tour. Guided by a commentator, they learned about flag reading, scorecards, and golf etiquette. Eventually, Danish player Hammers Braun won the Hainan Open in a playoff against Filipino player Wu Chunhui. The professionals’ performances surely planted seeds of aspiration in the minds of the young players.
Jerome Ng, R&A’s Director of Golf Development for the Asia-Pacific region, commented in an interview: “Our aim in promoting the GolfSixes League is to bring golf into cities and schools. The tournament is not limited by venues; as long as there’s flat ground and enough grass, children can easily experience golf up close. We’ve already tried this in Australia and other countries with great success. The format is well-liked by children, significantly boosting their interest in continuing to learn golf.”
The GolfSixes League’s essence lies in its unique six-hole format, as well as its flexibility and inclusiveness. The mini version of the league does not impose equipment restrictions; children can use plastic clubs and soft balls to enjoy golf anywhere and anytime.
This league was the first appearance of the GolfSixes League in China. The Sanya Dadonghai Shanhaitian JW Marriott Hotel provided the venue support, while the Hainan Golf Association, as the event’s organiser, played a crucial role in pioneering the event’s development in China. In the future, the European Tour and R&A will work with the China Golf Association to continue promoting this event across China, lowering the barriers for young people to experience golf, and enabling more children to enjoy and grow through the sport.
More information on GolfSixes League available at cp.golf/golfsixesleague
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