Posted on Friday, 17 June 2016

Is golf too slow for modern life? That's the assertion of the people behind SPRINT6GOLF, a new golfing format designed to make a round of golf fit in with busy modern schedules. And with Real Madrid and Wales winger Gareth Bale on side, the new speedy version of golf is getting a lot of attention.

Bale alerted his 17.3 million Instagram followers to the new format, which permits only 30 seconds to complete a shot – on a round of only six holes. An app can be downloaded which details the rules and includes a stop watch.

The 30 second rule in effect only comes into play for tee shots and on the green; other strokes are policed by players, but a quicker is tone is expected.

SPRINT6GOLF founder Tom Critchley told BBC Sport, "The idea is to speed up golf and give people a viable alternative to the long form of the game."

"Can you play golf in an hour? Yes, you can. Very simply, it is six holes on a 30-second shot-clock. The moment you put your bag down the clock starts and people get on with it."

While the new format could make the prospect of a round of golf more appealing on an everyday basis, its proponents really want professionals to take it up.

Made for TV?

Critchley continued: "Our vision is very much to go to the professional game. I want to see the best players in the world play this.

"The referees hidden away behind the trees would come to the forefront, the players will really get involved with the time pressures, we'll have the shot-clock on the television - it's made for it."

Tackling Slow Play

As part of a golf-wide interest in making the game faster and more watchable, European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has supported recent campaigns to tackle slow play.

Pelly told BBC Sport: "I think it [speeding up play] is critical. That's why I'm so impressed with Martin Slumbers and the R&A and the way they have taken to this initiative of curbing slow play and they're behind it.

Fancy Trying SPRINT6GOLF?

While there are only a few courses in the UK specifically offering rounds in this new format, there's nothing stopping you organising a game on any course. And if you're planning a golf trip overseas this summer, you might also give it a try. Visit www.sprint6golf.com for more information.

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