A new T20-style golf tournament sanctioned by the Australian PGA will debut next summer.
The Ultra Golf Championship will follow a nine-hole teams format, initially with 10 city-based franchises.
The teams will consist of a marquee team captain, with the competition running over four days with different match formats.
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Scoring will be different as well, with the system described as “unique and exciting”. Instead of counting strokes, players will accrue points on each hole, depending on score achieved.
UGC founder Deke Smith said the format was the product of five years of planning.
“We are appealing to a wider fan base, giving people a new way to consume their golf, sport and entertainment, and we think that it’s a great way to grow the game of golf,” he said.
“We see this concept appealing to a younger audience because we will see a result in two hours’ of golf.
“We see parochial sports fans getting behind their own city team.
“It’s taken us some time to get to this point, but we couldn’t be more excited about what is to come. We think it’s something that golf needs in this country and we’re excited to be delivering it.”
The competition would also include side games often seen in club competitions – long drive, which would award the winner an extra three points.
Initial teams are from Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, London, LA, New York, Melbourne, Shanghai, Seoul and Tokyo.
Australasian PGA Tour tournament director Nick Dastey said the competition had the potential to grow the game.
”This is an event we are passionate about and it continues to align with our innovation in the game in Australia,” he said.
“We know once this world first format has some of the best players in the world showcasing it on TV next year, Ultra Golf Championship will become a part of all golf fans life through both professional and amateur golf with anyone able to play and enjoy the format.”
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