posted Feb 8, 2007

I have been to Northwick Park, on an invite from the course to explore their new facilities last year. That was when they wanted to charge me £24 for 6 holes. This seems excessive when you can play full sized championship courses throughout the UK for less. Most kids I have seen learning to play can't wait to get off the range onto a 'proper' course. Going back to this new idea, who is actually promoting it? Is it the EGU or is it some marketing company?

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Feb 8, 2007

At last someone is thinking ahead and trying something new - I'd love to see the Pro's have a go at it.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Feb 8, 2007

Squirrel 1957 - we are talking about a new way to play golf not the merits of JJB. Presumably you are a disgruntled former employee. By the way, how do you keep those chips on your shoulders when you're swinging your club?

13blackodd - how many kids transfer successfully in the early days from a range to a full course. Isn't 9 holes (ie half a course) a better option? And why does PowerPlay Golf need to be endorsed by an organisation. It's simply a format ANY club can run with and have some fun.

Shinytrousers - you ARE playing against people playing the same course!! And in golf you always win or lose a game based upon your ability to hit a target! I'm off 23. If I pepper the pin I'll beat anyone. When I can't hit a cow's backside with a frying pan, I won't.

Why are so many people in golf so intent on making it as difficult to enjoy and as inaccessible as possible? Dinosaurs.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Feb 8, 2007

Golfhypnotist, you are being incredibly one eyed. Did you have a bad experience at a private club when you were little, improperly dressed were you? Or did you have a temper tantrum and chuck a club?

For your info (although you probably won't register this) I support the game of Golf and run various senior and Junior events at my club, including short fun events including target Golf. (Dinosaur thumbs nose at one eyed hypno).

My intention is to make people realise that this is all about moneymaking. It's business that's all. You are being naive. The idea is not new, it's just a new business venture.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Feb 8, 2007

For info: the new idea (the PowerPlay Golf format) is from Playgolf, who created the complex at Northwick Park. They're talking to people in the pro game about a Tour / TV version. Also for info, over 3,000 people per week visit and enjoy the facilities there. Many are from ethnic minorities, not a traditional hotbed of golf. And a large % are children and families. Surely this can't be a bad thing? PowerPlay is simply an idea to add more excitement to a game which has fallen behind football, cricket, rugby and even tennis in the national consciousness.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Feb 9, 2007

I played golf to a high standard as a young amateur, but sadly since moving to London to earn a decidedly average salary and work long hours my access to golf has been somewhat restricted. When I do get to play it inevitably takes over 6 hours and suddenly becomes an all day event. I think that any move to make golf quicker to play is ideal, particularly in the London area. As for the "powerplay" set-up, I see this as an interesting variation to the game, in the same mould as the modified stableford tournaments on the US tour. Golf is all about risk and reward and this game highlights and recognises this point. This is a fantastic idea and would be a great way of helping young players develop their course management skills.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Feb 14, 2007

To squirrel1957. You appear to be the master of sweeping statements. JJB, like all major retailers, is not known for it's high pay. However, your comments regarding the service at JJB are completely wrong. I have shopped there on a regular basis since the Northwick Park complex opened and have always been afforded the most superb service. The staff are all, without exception, friendly, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Before you pass comments like me having more money than sense etc., let me assure you that I work full time, am not highly paid, and do shop around for bargains in golf - but if I want good sound sense regarding any potential purchase, clubs specially ordered- I always go to JJB. As I say, they may be poorly paid but they still provide a superb level of service, and all appear to take pride in doing a job well.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Feb 14, 2007

a new format based on stableford? it's interesting that as this idea is being touted here, the only fixture on the US tour based on stableford has just been dropped. due to lack of sponsorship as a result of falling tv figures as a result of a certain player not turning up since '99!

add comment | complain about this comment

posted Feb 15, 2007

If it ain't broke don't fix it! If people don't like golf the way it is, why would they like this newer version. It's still the same basic game but instead of rewarding consistent, quality golf, a fluke shot could end up winning you a match you should be well out of it in proper scoring terms! Silly, silly, silly is my opinion.

add comment | complain about this comment