The German Golf Federation (DGV) is strengthening its commitment to growing the game among young people through the expansion of its GolfSixes League — an innovative, team based format inspired by junior pathways common in major global sports.

Launched internationally in 2022 with support from The R&A, The Ryder Cup European Development Trust, the DP World Tour and the Ladies European Tour, the programme has quickly gained national recognition for its fun, inclusive and low pressure approach to competitive golf.

Germany’s golf system is structured regionally, and the DGV has strategically positioned GolfSixes League as an entry point for clubs not currently involved in existing junior programmes. This approach has enabled the federation to reach new communities and introduce golf to a wider and more diverse group of young players.

By 2025, the initiative had grown to 37 participating clubs, engaging around 500 juniors across local leagues. The DGV also staged a dedicated GolfSixes League event during the 2025 German Challenge by VcG on the Hotelplanner Tour, which proved highly popular with young participants and showcased the format to a broader audience.

Building on this momentum, the DGV aims to expand the programme to 40 clubs in 2026. A major step forward will be the integration of GolfSixes formats into schools participating in the Abschlag Schule programme, which reaches approximately 10,000 children and teenagers aged 6 to 18. From 2027, both the on course GolfSixes League and the off-course GolfSixes Mini League are set to be introduced in schools, creating a clear and accessible pathway from first contact with golf to structured team play.

The DGV reports that up to 200 clubs across the country have expressed interest in running junior initiatives such as GolfSixes League, signalling strong potential for nationwide expansion.

As Germany continues to modernise its junior golf landscape, GolfSixes League is emerging as a central pillar of the country’s long term strategy to make golf more accessible, social and appealing to the next generation of players.

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GolfSixes League is a development project designed to enable participants who are new to golf to learn, play and progress through short-form team golf. It is a collaborative initiative driven by The R&A, Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], Ladies European Tour [LET], DP World Tour and national partners. The expansion of GolfSixes League is backed by the Golf Foundation, the charity that created and developed the initiative across GB&I.

More information on GolfSixes League available at cp.golf/golfsixesleague

With outdoor courses packed during the short summer season, Golfsambands Island (GSI) has identified the off season as a opportunity for growing and sustaining junior interest.

To put this into action, the federation has introduced a winter GolfSixes League, played entirely on simulators, using the GolfSixes League’s proven format of team-golf playing two person scramble over six holes.

This year’s GolfSixes League opened on 28 February with three more events taking place across Iceland this winter. The initiative forms part of the international expansion of GolfSixes League, supported by The R&A, The Ryder Cup European Development Trust, the Confederation of Professional Golf, the Golf Foundation, DP World Tour and the Ladies European Tour.

Participation on the Rise

A total of 42 juniors took part – significantly more than last year – competing in six teams across boys’ and girls’ divisions. Each team featured 6–8 players, all receiving colour coded caps, along with bottles, sports bags and GolfSixes League branded bag tags.
The event delivered impressive play, including two holes in one and several chip ins, adding excitement to the fast paced format.

Strong Support and a Celebratory Finish

Five PGA professionals assisted throughout the competition, helping guide players who are taking their first steps into competitive golf.

The day concluded with a Kahoot quiz, an awards ceremony and a pizza party, reinforcing the League’s emphasis on fun, friendship and confidence building.

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GolfSixes League is a development project designed to enable participants who are new to golf to learn, play and progress through short-form team golf. It is a collaborative initiative driven by The R&A, Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], Ladies European Tour [LET], DP World Tour and national partners. The expansion of GolfSixes League is backed by the Golf Foundation, the charity that created and developed the initiative across GB&I.

More information on GolfSixes League available at cp.golf/golfsixesleague

The Czech Golf Federation has strengthened its drive to grow junior participation by rolling out the GolfSixes Mini League, an inclusive six hole team format designed for children and played with adapted clubs and balls suitable for school fields and sports halls.

Working closely with golf clubs across the country, the federation has helped establish strong links between clubs and nearby schools. Club coaches have trained teachers to run GolfSixes Mini League sessions and short game challenges, culminating in a national Mini League final for participating schools.

Schools that extend the experience by offering pupils opportunities to play at local golf clubs are also invited to take part in the federation’s annual GolfSixes League event.

The 2025 season delivered impressive results, with 500 children taking part in the GolfSixes Mini League and a further 50 pupils competing in the national schools’ GolfSixes League event. Building on this momentum, the federation now plans to expand the GolfSixes League in 2026 by welcoming international teams for the first time.

The continued success of the programme highlights the growing appetite for fun, accessible golf formats that introduce more children to the sport and strengthen pathways into club participation.

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GolfSixes League is a development project designed to enable participants who are new to golf to learn, play and progress through short-form team golf. It is a collaborative initiative driven by The R&A, Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], Ladies European Tour [LET], DP World Tour and national partners. The expansion of GolfSixes League is backed by the Golf Foundation, the charity that created and developed the initiative across GB&I.

More information on GolfSixes League available at cp.golf/golfsixesleague

On 1 February 2026, GolfRSA hosted a GolfSixes League event for beginner golfers at Royal Johannesburg Golf Club as an activation alongside the Africa Amateur Championship, staged by The R&A at the same venue.

The initiative was designed specifically to introduce new players to the game in a welcoming and enjoyable environment during championship week.

The Texas Scramble format proved to be a highlight of the day, allowing participants to play alongside friends in a relaxed, team-based setting. For some of the kids, it was their very first time on a golf course. Parents were actively involved throughout the round, assisting with scoring, carrying bags, and walking the fairways, with many describing the experience as valuable bonding time with their children.

Last year, GolfRSA delivered 21 GolfSixes events and activations across South Africa, demonstrating strong and growing interest in the format. GolfSixes continues to play an important role in reducing the intimidation factor often associated with the sport, helping to remove barriers to entry and making golf more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for young beginner golfers.

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GolfSixes League is a development project designed to enable participants who are new to golf to learn, play and progress through short-form team golf. It is a collaborative initiative driven by The R&A, Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], Ladies European Tour [LET], DP World Tour and national partners. The expansion of GolfSixes League is backed by the Golf Foundation, the charity that created and developed the initiative across GB&I.

More information on GolfSixes League available at cp.golf/golfsixesleague

GolfSixes League continues its rapid rise in Poland, with the Polish Golf Union reporting that both the GolfSixes League and the newly launched GolfSixes Mini League had their strongest season to date.

Across the 2025 GolfSixes League, seven tournaments were staged nationwide, attracting 149 young players representing 12 teams. A new individual registration system enabled parents to enter children directly, allowing organisers to broaden access to the series.

Each event featured unique medals and branded golf balls, helping create a fun, motivating atmosphere for young beginners. The standout stop on the calendar was Kraków Valley, where 30 juniors competed despite cold, rainy conditions.

The GolfSixes Mini League made its debut this year and exceeded all expectations. Supported by equipment from the international project, weekly school sessions led to a June tournament with 28 participants, while PGA Poland’s requirement for assistant coaches to host Mini League events helped drive national uptake.

In total, eight Mini League tournaments were held, drawing 161 children – far surpassing the initial target of 100 participants. All events were free to enter, and every child received a participation medal.

With both formats expanding rapidly, GolfSixes is now reaching more children and more facilities across Poland than ever before, strengthening the country’s junior golf pathway and building a vibrant foundation for the future of the sport.

With 750 registered juniors at Polish golf clubs, the 286 GolfSixes players will have a big positive impact on Polish junior golf.

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GolfSixes League is a development project designed to enable participants who are new to golf to learn, play and progress through short-form team golf. It is a collaborative initiative driven by The R&A, Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], Ladies European Tour [LET], DP World Tour and national partners. The expansion of GolfSixes League is backed by the Golf Foundation, the charity that created and developed the initiative across GB&I.

More information on GolfSixes League available at cp.golf/golfsixesleague

[Article kindly provided by the China Golf Association]

In September, two highly anticipated GolfSixes League tournaments concluded successfully in Tianjin and Beijing respectively, bringing a series of spectacular sports feasts to golf lovers across the country.

Tianjin Stop: 72 Players Gather to Compete on the Green

On September 13th, the first Golfsixes tournament officially kicked off at Tianjin 27 Golf Club. On that day, 72 golfers from all over China, including Beijing, Tianjin, and Hainan, gathered here. Among them were both experienced senior golfers and energetic new-generation enthusiasts, all competing fiercely for their golf dreams.

Tianjin 27 Golf Club provided an excellent competitive environment for the tournament with its high-quality venue conditions and complete supporting facilities. During the competition, the players were in high spirits—every swing was accurate and powerful, and every putt was focused. On the green, white golf balls traced beautiful arcs in the air, and the players’ figures looked particularly vigorous under the sun. Whether it was a precise chip shot or a long-distance drive, all demonstrated the players’ superb skills and good psychological quality. After several rounds of intense competition, the players’ scores were neck and neck, pushing the on-site atmosphere to a climax time and again.

Beijing Stop: 40 Players Compete on the Same Stage, Continuing the Tournament’s Splendor

One week later, on September 20th, the excitement of the Golfsixs tournament spread to Beijing Jingshanhu Golf Club. Although there were 40 participants in the Beijing stop, the players’ enthusiasm showed no sign of abating, and the intensity of the competition was equally amazing. Players from all over the country, filled with love for golf and desire for victory, launched a new round of competition on this scenic course.

The unique terrain and well-designed fairways of Beijing Jingshanhu Golf Club posed no small challenge to the players, but also stimulated their stronger competitive potential. During the game, the players gave full play to their technical advantages, flexibly responding to various complex situations, and every swing embodied wisdom and strength. The audience on the sidelines constantly cheered for the players’ wonderful performances, with applause and cheers rising one after another, becoming a beautiful scene on the field.

Glory Moment: Top Three Winners Emerge from Each Stop, Exclusive Honors Salute Dedication

After several rounds of intense competition, the top three players of each stop were determined respectively in Tianjin and Beijing.

At the award ceremony of the Tianjin stop, when the host announced the list of winners, the three award-winning players had bright eyes filled with excitement and proud smiles on their faces. On the green of Tianjin 27 Golf Club, they won the unanimous recognition of the on-site audience and opponents with their outstanding skills, tenacious fighting spirit, and good sportsmanship.

In Beijing, the three outstanding players also gained their own moment of glory. From accurately tackling the complex fairways of Jingshanhu Golf Club to overcoming pressure to complete crucial putts, every moment of their performance left a deep impression on the onlookers. The cheers when the results were announced even resounded across the course.

Subsequently, the award guests of the two stops presented custom-made medals and exclusive trophies to the winning players respectively. These honors are not only a recognition of the players’ strength, but also the best reward for their continuous efforts to break through themselves on the road of golf. Many award-winning players said after the tournament: “We not only won honors in this competition, but also met many golf lovers from all over the country. We exchanged skills and shared our passion together, and the atmosphere was really great. We will continue to polish our skills in the future and strive to show a better version of ourselves in more tournaments.”

The successful holding of the two GolfSixes tournaments not only provided a platform for golf enthusiasts across the country to communicate and compete, but also further promoted the popularisation and development of golf in China. Let us look forward to more wonderful golf tournaments in the future and witness more golf lovers shining on the green!

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GolfSixes League is a development project designed to enable participants who are new to golf to learn, play and progress through short-form team golf. It is a collaborative initiative driven by The R&A, Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], Ladies European Tour [LET], DP World Tour and national partners. The expansion of GolfSixes League is backed by the Golf Foundation, the charity that created and developed the initiative across GB&I.

More information on GolfSixes League available at cp.golf/golfsixesleague

Clubs and junior golfers sign up for GolfSixes leagues in large numbers and enjoy new end of season Open event

Scottish Golf is delighted to report a record-breaking season of GolfSixes League action in 2025 featuring juniors from all regions of the country.

GolfSixes League, the national programme that caters for young, beginner golfers by providing a fun introduction to team golf in a pairs scramble format, has proved to be smash hit ever since it was piloted as part of Scottish Golf’s National Junior Framework in 2018.

This year higher levels of participation (and fun!) were achieved through both the GolfSixes League core programme and also the new-look end of year Open.

During 2025:

• 145 clubs signed up for Golf Sixes events (up from 137 in 2024)
• 33 local leagues were in play (up from 30 in 2024)
• Around 2000 beginner boys and girls got involved in GolfSixes activities
• Remote clubs enjoyed GolfSixes through a new ‘online’ league initiative

The season ended with a bang when 250 juniors from all six regions took part in the inaugural Scottish GolfSixes Open at Blairgowrie Golf Club in partnership with PING.

The Open brought together teams from the 33 leagues in one setting for a two-day event that replaced the previous format of regional and national finals.

The aims of the Open were simple – to reach a larger number and more diverse group of clubs, including rural and island clubs, and host an inspiring national event that would create memories to last a lifetime.

As well as playing a GolfSixes tournament, the boys and girls were able to enjoy skills challenges and interact with their peers in other small-sided games on and off the course.

Royal Dornoch pipped North Inch Juniors to the Open title with Portlethen, Dunblane, Banchory, Annanhill, Kings and Airdrie golf clubs all among the prize winners in categories such as nearest the pin and the dartboard challenge.

Fraser Crawford, participation manager at Scottish Golf, said: “The 2025 GolfSixes season has been a brilliant success thanks to the combined efforts of the clubs, the team managers and volunteers and, of course, the super enthusiastic youngsters who took part in our activities.

“The aim of GolfSixes, backed by The R&A and Golf Foundation, has always been to provide a fun introduction to golf for boys and girls that supports their development and retention within the sport.

“Team golf is absolutely central to this.

“If they enjoy the team activities and experience at one of our development events, then learning the fundamental skills follows as a natural consequence.

“This year it was amazing to have 145 clubs from every corner of the country sign up to the GolfSixes League programme.

“We were also delighted to deliver an online league that enabled clubs in more remote or island areas to join in the fun and compete against other clubs for the first time.

“The real thrill for us as a participation team was watching 250 juniors gather at Blairgowrie for the Open and see how much fun they had.

“The smiles and the laughter heard over those two days tell a story that is hard to convey simply through numbers.

“The kids had a ball, and it truly was a national celebration of junior golf.

“The Open complemented perfectly the leagues that have been going on throughout the year.

“In past years, only local winners progressed to the regional and national finals. This new format opened up that opportunity for many more youngsters and clubs and was really well received.

“We’ll now look to build on this year’s success with our expanded plans for 2026 which aim to encourage more clubs to join up and more young people to get involved in our flagship programme which is now well established as a key part of the junior player pathway in Scotland.”

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GolfSixes League is a development project designed to enable participants who are new to golf to learn, play and progress through short-form team golf. It is a collaborative initiative driven by The R&A, Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], Ladies European Tour [LET], DP World Tour and national partners. The expansion of GolfSixes League is backed by the Golf Foundation, the charity that created and developed the initiative across GB&I.

More information on GolfSixes League available at cp.golf/golfsixesleague

Excitement is building in Poland as preparations for the 2025 GolfSixes League season are well underway, with the first tournament teeing off in less than a month.

Led by the Polish Golf Union GolfSixes League Project Leader, Janusz Mojsiewicz, the initiative continues to grow in strength, combining grassroots development with a strong team ethos to give children their first taste of competitive golf in a fun and inclusive environment.

“GolfSixes is not just about competition – it’s about creating community, learning values, and helping young people take their first steps in the game,” said Mojsiewicz. “With the Mini League launching for the first time in 2025, we’re reaching even more kids in even more places, including schools and sports fields.”

The 2025 calendar features six qualifying events and a national final, and for the first time ever, the GolfSixes Mini League will bring shorter, introductory tournaments to schools and summer camps across the country. Participants will use plastic clubs and adapted courses, making golf accessible wherever young players are.

A strong partnership with the PGA of Poland is also central to the programme, as assistant instructors will help deliver events as part of their training – supporting both their own development and that of the next generation of golfers.

GolfSixes League is now active in more than 20 countries and continues to inspire children around the world to enjoy golf in a team setting, collect their first on-course experiences, and feel the thrill of representing a team – helping drive long-term participation and retention in the sport.

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GolfSixes League is a development project designed to enable participants who are new to golf to learn, play and progress through short-form team golf. It is a collaborative initiative driven by The R&A, Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], Ladies European Tour [LET], DP World Tour and national partners. The expansion of GolfSixes League is backed by the Golf Foundation, the charity that created and developed the initiative across GB&I.

More information on GolfSixes League available at cp.golf/golfsixesleague

PilsnerGolf Resort Hořehledy in Czech Republic has once again demonstrated its impressive commitment to junior golf, winning the 2025 GolfSixes League International Simulator Championship – while also securing second place.

The team of Josef Dubisar, Adam Hrdina, Krystof Kopcak, Jakub Voharcik, Lea Krehlikova and Jakub Zikes were victorious in an example highlighting the club’s dedication to fostering a cohesive, team-based environment that encourages children to both learn the game and grow together.

The championship saw teams from across 6 different countries get together and play a fun competition during the time of year when the days are short.

According to Martin Kopčák, General Manager of PilsnerGolf Resort Hořehledy, these successes stem from putting the emphasis on building a sense of community rather than solely focusing on hitting more balls. “We focus on creating a team and memorable experiences,” he notes. “That comfort and friendly atmosphere transfers into their game and behavior during tournaments.”

PilsnerGolf Resort Hořehledy runs an inclusive junior program for around 25 children who train at a performance level, with an additional 20 players moving through beginner to advanced tiers. The club’s collaboration with local schools is a crucial element in broadening golf’s appeal among children, with plans to expand these partnerships even further in the upcoming school year.

Support for junior players reaches far beyond the practice range. Kopčák received numerous messages from club members eager to see the children compete in the GolfSixes Championship, and congratulations poured in after their victory.

“Projects like GolfSixes strengthen relationships not only between children, but throughout the entire membership and beyond,” he says. Their consistent achievements showcase how teamwork, a supportive atmosphere, and robust junior programs can raise the bar for junior golf and inspire others around the world.

More information on GolfSixes League available at cp.golf/golfsixesleague

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

This article originally appeared at https://cp.golf/4h7Dst1

The GolfSixes League international expansion gained momentum over the past 12 months with 20 countries now running the programme designed to encourage young people into playing, enjoying and remaining in the sport.

Six nations joined Great Britain & Ireland in 2022 and another eight nations started GolfSixes League pilots in 2023. With Iceland and the United Arab Emirates joining in 2024, a total of 20 countries now offer GolfSixes League to young people.

GolfSixes League is a development project designed to enable participants who are new to golf to learn, play and progress through short-form team golf. It is a collaborative initiative driven by The R&A, Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], Ladies European Tour [LET], DP World Tour and national partners. The expansion of GolfSixes League is backed by the Golf Foundation, the charity that created and developed the initiative across GB&I.

With innovation as a guiding light for GolfSixes League, the first International Indoor GolfSixes League Championship was launched in the winter of 2023/24. Played on simulators, teams from six nations participated, with Dutch team Sluispolder winning ahead of the Swiss team from Links Leuk Golfresort and the Czech team from Golf Club Horehledy. Following this successful launch, the Icelandic Golf Union is piloting indoor leagues this year, also played on simulators, to attract and engage young golfers during their long off-season.

The Golf Foundation recently announced that in GB&I there will be more than 8,000 players from over 600 clubs participating in GolfSixes League. In other nations, where activity is still in the development phase, a further 270 clubs and over 4,000 players will participate in 2024.

Adding further excitement for participants, GolfSixes League activities will be held at a number of DP World Tour and LET events during the season.

GolfSixes League continues to deliver positive results with a 2023 survey of participants outside of GB&I showing that 39% of participants are girls and over half of the participants who were not already members of a golf club, became members during the year.

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A said, “We are delighted to see GolfSixes League expanding across the globe, this growth is a testament to the fast-paced format which makes golf accessible for players and their parents. It is more important than ever to provide young people with healthy leisure time options, so we are entirely supportive of initiatives like the GolfSixes League which introduces golf in a fun and fast environment that inspires lifelong enjoyment of the sport.”

Ian Randell, Chief Executive of CPG, the project manager of the international roll-out of GolfSixes League and sole member of the Ryder Cup European Development Trust, said: “The growth of this exciting initiative shows the value of, and enjoyment gained from, short-form team golf, especially for juniors and beginners. The rapid expansion is testament to what can be achieved when leading international bodies truly collaborate and work together to provide opportunities to national organisations, golf facilities and coaches across the globe. Together with the other partners, we look forward to continuing to grow participation and adding further new nations over the coming years.”

Maria Grandinetti-Milton, Head of Sustainability at the DP World Tour, added: “GolfSixes was born as a shorter tournament format on our 2017 season schedule that could engage new audiences with the game. Since then, it has taken on a life of its own and spread across the globe as an ideal way to get young people into golf. It has been fantastic to witness the collaboration between so many of golf’s key bodies and local grass-roots organisations to roll-out this expansion and we look forward to seeing this momentum continue in the years ahead.”

More information on GolfSixes League available at cp.golf/golfsixesleague

The Grand Final of the Golf Sixes League, Abu Dhabi took place under the lights at the Yas Acres Golf Club on Saturday 20 April.

Novice juniors from golf clubs across Abu Dhabi were joined by those from the Emirates Golf Federation for a fun evening of competition. Playing across just six short holes, seven teams of six, paired up to compete in a two ball Texas Scramble stroke play format. The best two scores of the teams’ three pairs count towards their overall score.

After a fantastic evening of fun and good sportsmanship the team from Abu Dhabi City Golf Club emerged as the winners of Round four.

Following four rounds of the Golf Sixes League which commenced back in January, congratulations to Abu Dhabi City Golf Club who were crowned Overall Champions.

“Golf Sixes has been so fun! Playing golf with my friends and as a team was cool. I really want to play again next time!,” said Kristoff Davidson a ten year old golfer from Abu Dhabi City Golf Club.

“Kristoff has loved participating in Golf Sixes. The way the programme is designed, with the kids playing in teams, has really helped get them excited to play golf and made the whole experience less intimidating. Across the season you could see the kids golf improve and now my son is wanting to play more and more, ” said Kristoff’s Dad, Andrew Davidson.

Golf Sixes League is a development initiative, supported by The R&A and the Emirates Golf Federation, which introduces young people to golf in a fun and inclusive environment, along with an added competitive element. Our thanks to all the stakeholders including our host venues, Yas Links GC, Abu Dhabi City GC, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and GC and Yas Acres GC, Team Managers, Golf Genius, Confederation of Professional Golf and Pro Sports International.

Round Four Results:

• 1st Abu Dhabi City Golf Club: +5
• 2nd Yas Links Golf Club: +8 (on countback)
• 3rd Saadiyat Beach Golf Club: +8

Nearest the Pin prize winners: Kristoff Davidson and Aaradyha Sharma

Final Overall Golf Sixes League Table:

• 1st Abu Dhabi City Golf Club: 50pts
• 2nd Saadiyat Beach Golf Club: 38pts
• 3rd Yas Links Golf Club: 35pts
• 4th Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club: 30pts
• 5th Yas Acres Golf Club: 26pts
• 6th Emirates Golf Federation: 17pts
• 7th Abu Dhabi Golf Club: 16pts

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GSL’s continued expansion around the globe has been supported by The R&A, the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], the Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT), DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour – the leading bodies aligning in support of a development initiative for the first time.

For more information on GolfSixes League please visit cp.golf/golfsixesleague

A pilot season of the successful GolfSixes League has launched in Abu Dhabi in a continuing drive to encourage young people into playing, enjoying and remaining in the sport.

Golf Sixes League is a development initiative which introduces young people to golf in a fun and inclusive environment, along with an added competitive element.

The Abu Dhabi based GolfSixes League will see seven squads of 12 players, who rotate a team of six during each round, compete in a two ball Texas scramble stroke play format across six holes. The best two scores of the three pairs will count toward the team score.

The League will take place on three dates from January to March, with team winners declared after each round and an overall champion decided at the Grand Final in April.

The pilot season is a collaboration between The R&A and the Emirates Golf Federation, which will field a team in the League alongside those from Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Acres Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club and the Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club.

Neal Graham, Regional Development Manager – Middle East & India at The R&A, said, “GolfSixes League is a proven development initiative which encourages new golfers into the sport in a fun and competitive way. It allows young people to bring their new found skills from the lesson tee onto the course in an encouraging and inclusive team environment.

“Golf in the Middle East continues to grow and we are aiming to sustain this momentum by adopting initiatives that have been successful in other regions around the world. We hope the introduction of GolfSixes League to Abu Dhabi will deliver similar results for golf participation in the state as we have seen in Great Britain and Ireland, Europe and Africa.”

General Abdulla Alhashmi, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, said, “The Emirates Golf Federation is delighted to be working with The R&A on the GolfSixes League in Abu Dhabi. We believe golf is a healthy activity for children and we support initiatives that encourage early adoption and long-term playing of the sport. We would also like to recognize and thank the golf clubs in Abu Dhabi for embracing the GolfSixes League and we hope your teams enjoy competing.”

The first round of the GolfSixes League took place on Saturday 27 January at Yas Links Golf Club on its Academy Course where the team from Abu Dhabi City Golf Club became the first winners.

Round two takes place on Tuesday 20 February at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club before Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club host the third round on Saturday 23 March.

The Grand Final will be played at Yas Acres Golf Club on Saturday 20 April where the first overall champions will be decided.

The GolfSixes League in Abu Dhabi is open to boys and girls of any age who are beginner golfers and do not hold a Handicap Index^®.

The expansion of Golf Sixes League into Abu Dhabi builds on the successful implementation of GolfSixes League in Europe by The R&A, the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG), the Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT), DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour.

GolfSixes League has also seen successful adoption across Great Britain and Ireland where it is administered by the Golf Foundation, England Golf, Golf Ireland, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf.

The shorter GolfSixes format continued to expand and introduce even more children following a successful pilot season in continental Europe. There are now 20 nations delivering GolfSixes League and GolfSixes Mini League, a marked increase from ten nations in 2022. Over 7,800 players took part at 660 participating clubs/facilities in 2023. In total, 43% of players became junior members in GB&I whilst being part of Golf Sixes League.

GolfSixes League is a proven pathway with 88% of children who took part in Great Britain and Ireland last year indicating they would like to play more golf as a result of participating in the programme.

For more information on GolfSixes League please visit cp.golf/golfsixesleague

This article originally appeared on dpworldtour.com

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Wil Besseling and Lars van Meijel were on hand to support the running of a GolfSixes League event taking place in advance of the KLM Open as the popular format continues to be introduced to more and more young people.

Ahead of the 103rd edition of the Netherlands’ national open this week at Bernardus Golf, the two home stars joined a local coach on Tuesday in organising playing opportunities for youngsters with little golfing experience.

GolfSixes League started as a grassroots version of the short-form GolfSixes professional team event, which the DP World Tour created in 2017.

It has seen great success across Great Britain and Ireland where it is administered by the Golf Foundation, England Golf, Golf Ireland, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf.

Since last year, GolfSixes League, and its off-course version GolfSixes Mini League, has expanded to also run across a host of other European countries, including the Netherlands.

“This is a great way with the KLM Open to get [children] involved in golf,” said Besseling, who is among those flying the home flag this week.

“Hopefully it is a good start and can help to get them to play golf and have some fun together with other kids.”

Since its inception, the number of participants in Great Britain & Ireland alone has grown to over 6,000, from 524 clubs forming part of 117 leagues in 2023.

GolfSixes League pilots were run in the Netherlands in 2018 and 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic put a pause to them.

Reflecting on the interest of the short format, European Challenge Tour winner Van Meijel added: “18 holes is almost five hours these days and for kids it is not really appealing.

“But it is always really good to play with friends and have a group of kids that you grow up together with and play together. That is the reason I started playing golf.”

The programme is led by the PGA and supported by the Dutch Golf Federation in Holland ensuring the project has become a great success.

In 2022, GolfSixes was played in 5 regions in Holland with 25 teams, involving 170 children, with the aim of increasing that to 250 kids this year.

For more information on GolfSixes League please visit cp.golf/golfsixesleague

The popular GolfSixes format is continuing to expand and introduce even more young people to a shorter format of the sport following a successful pilot season in continental Europe.

Young people from 75 golf clubs participated in the 25 GolfSixes Leagues during the 2022 pilot season in Belgium, Germany, Holland, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and the initiative is being developed further so that young people in Czech Republic, Finland, Malta and Slovakia can also participate in 2023.

In addition, a pilot of the GolfSixes Mini League will also take place in these participating countries. The Mini League is designed to bring GolfSixes into schools and other recreational settings without the need for a golf course.

Using soft equipment, GolfSixes Mini League is played across a temporary course comprising of six holes which can fit into the dimensions of a football pitch, making it perfect for non-golf facilities short on space or as an indoor activity during cold weather months. Children practice and play in teams which creates a fun and relaxed environment for them to enjoy their first experience of golf.

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A said, “GolfSixes is a fun and accessible short-form of golf and we are pleased to see that the pilot in Europe attracted young people in good numbers last year. We want to build on that momentum by expanding its reach into new countries so that more young people have opportunities to enjoy golf and its health benefits with family and friends.”

Ian Randell, CEO of the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG] added, “The success of the pilot activations in Europe has shown that GolfSixes League provides the perfect solution for young people to be able to progress on to the golf course in a fun and engaging way whilst enjoying the social and competitive enjoyment of playing as part of a team. We are extremely pleased that the collaboration internationally has worked so well, whilst national activities have also proven to show how great work can be done when PGAs and PGA Members, Federations/Unions, clubs, etc. all work towards the same goals.”

First launched in Great Britain and Ireland, GolfSixes League is a development initiative which introduces young people to golf in a fun and inclusive environment as they practice and play in teams, along with an added competitive element.

It enables young people to progress from using driving ranges or practice facilities as beginners to playing golf in teams of six over six holes using a two-person scramble format on courses adapted to their skill levels.

Along with the positive results seen in continental Europe last year, GolfSixes League continues to prove popular in Great Britain and Ireland under the administration of the Golf Foundation, England Golf, Golf Ireland, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf.

In 2022, more than 500 golf clubs participated in a GolfSixes League which resulted in a 47% increase in affiliated membership. Plans are in place to expand to more than 750 golf clubs in 2023.

Golf Sixes expansion into Continental Europe has been supported by The R&A, the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], the Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT), DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour – the leading bodies aligning in support of a development initiative for the first time.

For more information on GolfSixes League please visit cp.golf/golfsixesleague

Following on from the success of its launch in 2017 in the UK by the Golf Foundation, GolfSixes League, backed by a host of organisations including The R&A, the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], the Ryder Cup European Development Trust [RCEDT], DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour, will involve an estimated 10,000 young people across eight countries and over 950 golf clubs participating by the end of 2024.

The league provides juniors the chance to play in a competitive golf environment with other local clubs and involves playing six holes in pairs using a highly inclusive Texas Scramble format, powered by bespoke Golf Genius Software.

When it comes to a league or organisation set up, Golf Genius provides a solution to reduce administration time, whilst increasing the connection and communication that organisers can have with participants. Through interactive digital messaging, Golf Genius offers GolfSixes League a personalised and engaging way of running events to keep juniors coming back – with parents highly engaged in the process.

“GolfSixes League has gone from strength to strength across the UK over the past five years, and we are proud to have been selected to work on this initiative as it rolls out internationally. We facilitate millions of golf rounds each year across a wide variety of formats, so it is great to showcase our leagues solution with an activity committed to offering a unique experience for those just starting their golfing journey,” commented Craig Higgs, Managing Director of Golf Genius International.

Customised user forms, online training guides tailored to the League, live scoring technology and interactive communication channels are just a few of the ways that Golf Genius are providing a solution to creating a memorable junior community.

Golf Genius Partner, the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], join a leading group of bodies that are working together in this way for the first time:

Christiane Stenger, CPG’s Director – GolfSixes, Community Coaching and Tournaments; “We are pleased to be working with Golf Genius, who have created a solution that facilitates both the on-course Leagues and off-course GolfSixes Mini League. As it has launched internationally this has allowed for a smooth and efficient implementation of the GolfSixes League.”

The Golf Genius solution will be used across GolfSixes League in countries including, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

 For more information about Golf Genius, please visit GolfGenius.com/tm and get in touch at intlsales@golfgenius.com. For more information on GolfSixes League visit cp.golf/golfsixesleague or contact cs@cpg.golf.

GolfSixes League will expand across Europe in 2022 in a continuing drive to encourage young people into playing, enjoying and remaining in the sport.

The expansion is a collaboration between The R&A, the Confederation of Professional Golf [CPG], the Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT), DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour – the leading bodies aligning in support of a development initiative for the first time.

GolfSixes League has seen great success across Great Britain and Ireland where it is administered by the Golf Foundation, England Golf, Golf Ireland, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf.

In 2021, across GB&I, 386 golf venues offered 74 GolfSixes Leagues in which 5252 players participated with 30% of those being girls. Following on from the GolfSixes League there was a 35% increase in junior membership at participating clubs.

GolfSixes League, and its off-course version GolfSixes Mini League, will now expand in 2022 to also run in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Switzerland.

An estimated 8,000 young people will experience the sport this year thanks to GolfSixes League, which will be played across the ten countries with around 750 golf clubs participating in events this summer.

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said, “We are very supportive of initiatives that encourage young people into golf and be retained within the sport and GolfSixes League has already shown itself to be a popular and enjoyable short-form activity with both young people and their parents.

“It is important to build on the early momentum gained in Great Britain and Ireland and introduce the initiative to more countries throughout Europe so that more opportunities to enjoy playing golf in this format are offered to young people and they can experience the health and social benefits that we know it can provide to them.”

Ian Randell, Chief Executive of the CPG, said, “This Project between international organisations with local delivery via PGAs and National Federations is a great example of the collaboration that is possible within our sport.

“We have long been advocates of short-form team golf, in both an on-and off-course environment, as a fantastic vehicle to promote both the values and enjoyment of the sport and encourage participation in a quick, fun format, particularly amongst juniors and beginners. We are excited to be able to drive this project forward internationally and demonstrate the success that can be achieved when national and international organisations work together.”

Ben Cowen, DP World Tour Chief Tournament Business Officer, said, “One of the main aims of the GolfSixes League is to bring golf to new and younger audiences, and what better way to engage young people than to get them involved in playing this exciting new short format.

“Using the platform of the DP World Tour with the innovation, inclusivity, and global reach it already has within the game, the expansion of the GolfSixes League to more European countries further highlights the success of the concept and we hope to continue building on this momentum to encourage more junior golfers to enjoy our game.”

Mike Round, Director of Administration at the Ladies European Tour, added, “The development of the GolfSixes Leagues demonstrates how golf is introducing innovative and engaging formats that are reaching new audiences and attracting new participants. The positive impact of GolfSixes Leagues has already been proven and it is particularly encouraging to see how the initiative is being used to bring more girls and young women into the sport.

“As part of our commitment to the growth of GolfSixes Leagues across Europe, we’ll be encouraging our players to promote and support the initiative in their home countries.”

GolfSixes League is a development initiative which introduces young people to golf in a fun and inclusive environment, along with an added competitive element.

In a short time period, it enables young people to move from beginners on driving ranges or practice facilities to playing golf in teams of six, playing over six holes, using the two-person scramble format on courses adapted to their skill levels.

Evidence from GolfSixes League in Great Britain and Ireland has clearly demonstrated that practicing and playing in teams is a successful way to engage young people and their parents with the sport.

A GolfSixes League digital platform has been developed by Golf Genius to easily enable participating golf clubs to implement and manage their League as it is introduced to other countries this year.

For more information on GolfSixes League please visit cp.golf/golfsixesleague

Continuing the European Tour’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation with its ground-breaking approach to Golfers with Disability, Groves and Lawlor will be paired together in the competitive match play format to form the inaugural ‘EDGA Team’, as one of four exciting wildcard selections on offer.

It also marks the first time golfers from the World Rankings for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) will compete alongside European Tour professionals in a regular season event. The 2020 GolfSixes Cascais will follow the same format as the 2019 edition, with four wildcard teams – featuring stars of male and female golf – joining 12 other two-man teams of European Tour players representing their home nations.

Groves, the current World Rankings for Golfers with Disability Number One, won the inaugural EDGA Dubai finale in November last year. The 36-hole event took place alongside the European Tour’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai and was the second EDGA event taking place in conjunction with a Rolex Series event on the 2019 Race to Dubai.

The Englishman finished second to Lawlor at the EDGA Scottish Open held during the weekend of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open in July, and now the pair will partner together in Portugal as they prepare to take on 15 other teams competing over six holes in the greensomes format.

“I’m looking forward to competing in the European Tour’s GolfSixes in Cascais,” said Groves. “To be able to tee it up and play against the Tour professionals is exactly what inclusivity is all about. I’m excited to represent all players with a disability alongside Brendan and we hope to do them proud.”

Lawlor, currently number four in the World Rankings for Golfers with Disability, added: “Last year I watched the GolfSixes tournament and now I have the opportunity to represent all golfers with a disability in Cascais, which is absolutely amazing! It will be great to stand on the tee with George and compete alongside the Tour professionals, men and women, knowing that we are showcasing how inclusive our game is for everyone.”

GolfSixes has revolutionised the game with the ability to offer wildcard selections to a variety of golfers from all walks of the game. Previously the event included a ‘Captains Team’ which featured 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn and 2019 Solheim Cup Captain Catriona Matthew, who were the first male and female professionals to play together in a competitive match play format.

It has also hosted a ‘European Women’s Team’ featuring England’s Mel Reid and Carlota Ciganda of Spain, a ‘German Women’s Team’ of Esther Henseleit and Laura Fuenfstueck, and twice included an ‘England Women’s Team’ comprising of Georgia Hall and Charley Hull in 2018, as well as Meghan MacLaren and Florentyna Parker in 2019.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “GolfSixes is the perfect opportunity for us to champion new ideas and innovate, not just in terms of a different format, but to bring a different form of entertainment from a golf perspective.

“We are thrilled to have George and Brendan competing against European Tour professionals for the first time and to ultimately showcase their talents on the world stage. As golf’s global Tour, two of our core values are innovation and inclusivity, and GolfSixes fits perfectly into both of those genres.

“The EDGA Scottish Open and the EDGA Dubai Finale were an immense success for all involved and it is fantastic we can reward our inaugural winners in George and Brendan with the opportunity to compete at GolfSixes in Portugal. It’s a natural progression and I think the potential for GolfSixes in terms of the overall brand and format is terrific.”

Lawlor turned professional last year, however with Groves remaining an amateur he is unable to claim winnings from the tournament. The European Tour and the players have agreed to donate the team’s prize money from the event to EDGA and have sought and received approval from The R&A to do so under the Rules of Amateur Status, to help encourage more people with disability to try golf.

EDGA President Tony Bennett, added: “We are thrilled to have George and Brendan representing the inaugural EDGA Team at GolfSixes Cascais this May. It is a natural fit for this event to highlight golfers with a disability considering how inclusive and innovative the previous tournaments have been and we are excited about the possibilities ahead.

“It is an incredible opportunity for our EDGA golfers to compete alongside European Tour professionals for the first time and we can’t wait to see the rest of the field take shape in the coming weeks.”

Thailand defeated England in a nearest the pin play-off to win the 2019 GolfSixes Cascais and make European Tour history at Oitavos Dunes. Phachara Khongwatmai and Thongchai Jaidee were tied at 1-1 after six holes in the final against Tom Lewis and Paul Waring, with another trip up the sixth unable to separate the teams.

That meant the event would go down to nearest the pin in the final for the first time in its three year history, and it was Khongwatmai – 29 years his team-mate’s junior at just 20 years old – who hit his tee shot to concession range out to claim the win.

The tournament returns to Portugal for the second year next door to the Atlantic and only 20 minutes from the capital, Cascais – a 97.4 square kilometres village with approximately 210,000 inhabitants. The city is proud to host GolfSixes, a partnership of the Municipality of Cascais, the European Tour and the Event/Media agency U.COM – which stages the annual Millennium Estoril Open, an ATP Tennis Championship, in the same region.

Oitavos Dunes has hosted the Open de Portugal on four occasions, first in 2005 when Paul Broadhurst emerged victorious, and then in three years in succession in 2007, 2008 and 2009, won by Pablo Martin Benavides, Grégory Bourdy and Michael Hoey respectively.

VISIT EDGA GOLF

GolfSixes was launched in 2017 with the aim of attracting new and younger audiences to golf and engaging players in the game early in their sporting development is a key part of the long term strategy.

During the first GolfSixes tournament in 2017 the Golf Foundation launched a pilot project introducing six leagues of junior players to the fast and fun six-hole concept, which resulted in a 65% increase in affiliated membership among participants, while 80% of kids said they wanted to play more golf.

Thanks to new partnerships with the PGA of Belgium, PGA of Holland and Danish Golf Union, the GolfSixes League is now being rolled out across Europe, while the Golf Foundation is expanding the concept in the UK ahead of the European Tour’s second staging of GolfSixes at Centurion Club in St Albans, near London, on May 5-6, 2018.

Later this month the PGAs of Belgium and Holland will team up to rebrand their respective junior programmes as GolfSixes League PGA Belgium and GolfSixes League PGA Holland. In a major change to their junior programmes, golf is being presented to children and their parents as a team sport, with teams of six boys and girls competing against each other in match play contests.

Last year around 200 young golfers took part in junior programmes in the two countries, and the aim is to grow that to 600 participants by the end of 2018.

In Denmark – the country that triumphed in the inaugural GolfSixes last year when Lucas Bjerregaard and Thorbjørn Olesen lifted the trophy – the Danish Golf Union will host the GolfSixes Danish National Championship on May 19-20, 2018 at Odense Eventyr Golf Club where 32 mixed male and female teams – 16 junior teams and 16 seniors (aged over 19) – will compete.

Meanwhile in the UK, Official Delivery Partner the Golf Foundation is expanding its successful GolfSixes League programme, with more than 1500 boys and girls expected to be coached by club PGA professionals each week in their 12-player squads before displaying their new-found skills at weekends.

There will be 27 junior leagues in the UK – increased from six last year – including two in Wales and three in Scotland for the first time, welcoming teams of youngsters from 125 golf clubs.

With five of Europe’s best female players – Solheim Cup Captain Catriona Matthew, Georgia Hall, Charley Hull, Mel Reid and Suzann Pettersen – taking part in the GolfSixes tournament in May, it is appropriate that this new inter-club team format aims to foster a sense of belonging for new young players including encouraging more girls to get involved.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “One of the main aims of GolfSixes is to bring golf to new and younger audiences, and what better way to engage young people than to get them involved in playing this exciting new short format of golf themselves?

“With the second GolfSixes event taking place in May this year, it’s fantastic to see that the concept is already beginning to leave a legacy. The event at Centurion Club is continuing to evolve, this year with the introduction of wildcard teams and female players. If we can further build on this innovation by getting young people excited about playing and watching golf, then that is a true test of the success of the concept.

“Our thanks go to all of our partners in the UK, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands for embracing GolfSixes and helping to engage young people across Europe in our wonderful game.”

Thomas Hartwich, Tournament Consultant at the Danish Golf Union, said: “The Danish Golf Union wants golfers to think differently from the traditional 18 holes of golf. The new GolfSixes format is proof that you can do that – you don’t always need to play 18 holes, it’s okay to play six or nine holes and still enjoy the game.

“GolfSixes is more action packed, it’s fun to play – for junior and senior players. We can also have focus on pace of play with a shot clock hole and it is great for spectators to watch.”

Frank Kirsten, Chief Executive of the PGA of Holland, said: “Junior golfers are the future, and by teaming up with the PGA of Belgium under the GolfSixes League we believe this will give the junior programmes in both countries a boost.

“This new format gives young players the chance to enjoy golf as a team experience, and this was received very enthusiastically by PGA golf professionals, youth golfers under the age of 13 and their parents. In this way, golf is presented as a team sport and something that is attractive to children and parents, like football and hockey.”

Bernard De Bruyckere, Chief Executive of the PGA of Belgium, said: “The GolfSixes League format allows children to have a lot of fun, share high fives and become enthusiastic about playing together and helping each other. The children can get used to playing in teams for their own club in a relaxed manner, and with a lot of success.

“Last year, 200 youth golfers were participating in the PGA of Belgium and Holland junior programs. The PGAs aim, together with their respective Federations, is to get to 600 participants in 2018.”

Brendon Pyle, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation, said: “We are hugely excited by the expansion of the GolfSixes League in 2018 and our partnership with the European Tour. There will be 28 junior leagues in the UK, including two in Wales and three in Scotland for the first time, welcoming teams of youngsters from 125 golf clubs.

“Last year, the pilot project in six leagues showed that this fun and shorter team format encouraged young players to practice and play more often at golf clubs while attracting the interest and support of their parents. This follows the model of other successful team sports such as football, netball and rugby where families new to the sport are welcomed into the club.”

European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn and Solheim Cup Captain Matthew will join forces in a world first for professional golf when GolfSixes returns to the European Tour in May. The Dane and the Scot will be the first male and female professionals to play together in a competitive match play format when they form the ‘Captains Team’ – one of four exciting wild card selections introduced to this year’s event, with two of the other three being; an ‘England Women’s Team’ comprising Hall and Hull; and a ‘European Women’s Team’ featuring England’s Reid and Pettersen of Norway. They will join defending champions Denmark, represented again by last year’s winners Bjerregaard and Olesen, with the final wildcard team to be announced soon.

Tickets for the event at Centurion Club on May 5-6, priced at £6 for children and £16 for adults, are available now at http://et.golf/GolfSixesTickets

Find Out More @ golfsixes.com

Englishmen Matt Wallace and Eddie Pepperell, both European Tour winners in 2018, will represent the home side when the innovative GolfSixes returns to Centurion Club in St Albans, near London, from May 5-6.

England are the highest ranked of the 11 qualifying teams who join defending champions Denmark and four wildcard entries to form a 16-team field packed full of European Tour winners in the second staging of the innovative six-hole competition.

The confirmed qualified teams from around the world are: England, France, Australia, Thailand, Italy, South Korea, South Africa, USA, Spain, Scotland and Sweden.

Pepperell claimed his maiden European Tour victory by finishing on 18 under par at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in February, while Wallace won a thrilling play-off against countryman Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston to win the Hero Indian Open earlier this month. Wallace is now looking forward to teeing it up in the unique GolfSixes event for the first time.

The 27 year old said: “Playing in front of a home crowd is an exciting prospect and something I’ve always looked forward to. Last year it looked as if there were a lot of kids enjoying the whole experience, so it should be a lot of fun to play in front of so many young fans and hopefully get them excited about golf.

“I think it’s a great idea to have new and different formats like this on the European Tour, and, with the wildcard teams in the mix this year, there could be some intriguing match ups. Eddie and I have both had good starts to the year, and the chance to team up to represent England is really exciting. I’m sure we’ll have a good laugh on the course and hopefully give the home fans plenty to cheer about.”

European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn and Solheim Cup Captain Catriona Matthew will become the first male and female professionals to play together in a competitive match play format on the European Tour when they form the ‘Captains Team’ as one of the four wildcard entries.

An ‘England Women’s Team’ comprising Charley Hull and Georgia Hall will be joined by a ‘European Women’s Team’ of Norwegian Suzann Pettersen and England’s Mel Reid, with the final wildcard team to be confirmed shortly.

Defending champions Lucas Bjerregaard and Thorbjørn Olesen will return to represent Denmark in the fast-paced competition as the 16 teams go head to head for a total prize fund of €1 million with the eventual winners receiving €100,000 each.

ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth winner Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who currently lies second in the Race to Dubai, will once again represent Thailand alongside eight-time European Tour winner Thongchai Jaidee.

Aphibarnrat, who will make his second appearance at the Masters Tournament next week, said: “I had a lot of fun taking part in GolfSixes alongside Thongchai last year and we’re looking forward to getting back to Centurion Club again.

“I enjoyed the team format, and it definitely seemed to be exciting for the fans too. Last year it was great to see so many kids around the course making noise and cheering on the teams, so it will be fantastic to see more of the same this year.

“We don’t get too many opportunities to play for our country as golfers, so it will be fun to team up with Thongchai again to represent Thailand. We got to the quarter finals last year, but we’ll be aiming to get our hands on the trophy this time around.”

France will be represented by 2017 KLM Open champion Romain Wattel and four-time European Tour winner Alexander Levy, whilst the last two winners of the UBS Hong Kong Open – Wade Ormsby and Sam Brazel – will compete on behalf of Australia.

Former Ryder Cup player Edoardo Molinari will be joined by 21 year old Renato Paratore, who won his maiden title at the 2017 Nordea Masters, in the Italian team.

Three-time European Tour winner Jeunghun Wang and 2016 Shenzen International champion Soomin Lee will play on behalf of Korea in the country’s debut GolfSixes appearance, while the South African team of George Coetzee and Haydn Porteous boast six European Tour titles between them.

Julian Suri, who captured the 2017 Made in Denmark title, will play in a USA team along with 2014 Omega European Masters winner David Lipsky, while Adrian Otaegui will represent Spain alongside Pablo Larrazábal, who has come close to securing his fifth European Tour title with three top ten finishes on the European Tour so far this season.

The Scotland team will feature two European Tour winners in Scott Jamieson and Richie Ramsay while Sweden have seized the final automatic qualification spot, with Alexander Björk and Joakim Lagergren joining the field.

The 16 teams will compete over six holes in a group stage, with teams split into four groups of four, before the top two teams from each group progress to the knockout stages – the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, a third/fourth place play-off match and the final.

In the group stages, three points will be given for victory with one point awarded for a draw and the matches will be played in a greensomes match play format.

Once again the six holes will be themed, with the popular shot clock hole returning – with a penalty imposed if players take longer than 30 seconds per shot – alongside the long drive and closest to the pin holes.

The innovative six-hole competition will have a festival feel with a centrally-located Fan Zone full of entertainment for all the family.

The 15 confirmed teams are:

Defending champions

DENMARK: Lucas Bjerregaard, Thorbjørn Olesen

Qualified teams

• ENGLAND: Matt Wallace, Eddie Pepperell
• FRANCE: Romain Wattel, Alexander Levy
• AUSTRALIA: Wade Ormsby, Sam Brazel
• THAILAND: Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Thongchai Jaidee
• ITALY: Renato Paratore, Edoardo Molinari
• SOUTH KOREA: Jeunghun Wang, Soomin Lee
• SOUTH AFRICA: George Coetzee, Haydn Porteous
• USA: Julian Suri, David Lipsky
• SPAIN: Pablo Larrazábal, Adrian Otaegui
• SCOTLAND: Richie Ramsay, Scott Jamieson
• SWEDEN: Alexander Björk, Joakim Lagergren

Wildcard teams

• CAPTAINS TEAM: Thomas Bjørn, Catriona Matthew
• ENGLAND WOMEN’S TEAM: Charley Hull, Georgia Hall
• EUROPEAN WOMEN’S TEAM: Suzann Pettersen, Mel Reid
• FINAL TEAM TBC

Tickets for the event, which will feature amphitheatre-style stands around tees and greens, music and pyrotechnics on the first tee and player engagement across the course, are on sale now for just £16 for adults and £5 for children from http://et.golf/clscgA.

Find Out More @ golfsixes.com