McEvoy creates golfing version of 20/20 cricket

LONDON, Feb 13 (Reuters) First there was Rugby Sevens then Twenty/20 cricket; now make way for PowerPlay golf.

Former Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup captain Peter McEvoy, director of a company called Playgolf, has come up with the idea to make golf a shorter, more accessible and more popular game.

Several reporters were invited along recently to Northwick Park on the outskirts of London on a frosty but sunny morning to witness PowerPlay golf in action.

''All the stats are saying people are leaving the game because of the time it takes to play. We want to introduce an element of choice,'' said Playgolf chief executive Dennis Piggins.

The shorter game is played over nine holes, with two flags on each green, one white and one black.

The black flag marks the more difficult pin position and it is up to the player to nominate, at the start of each hole, which he will aim for.

POWERPLAY OPTION The game uses the traditional Stableford method of scoring and players who nominate a black pin and pick up a birdie or better, gain extra points.

Players must select this 'powerplay' option three times a round.

The final hole represents a bonus fourth and final 'powerplay', the only difference being that a 30-foot diameter circle is placed around the black flag. A shot inside the target area is rewarded with three points while a failed attempt means two docked points.

The format is quick to learn and play.

''I wanted to have as few rules as I could,'' said McEvoy.

PowerPlay golf looks most suited to the world of corporate days out.

The speed of completion is paramount since it would allow for conferences in the morning and golf in the afternoon.

Piggins said: ''We have aspirations to move this on to the pro game. I can see golf clubs staging regular PowerPlay golf events as part of their annual schedule.

''We are in discussions about creating a Professional PowerPlay golf event and believe it has enormous TV potential. Twenty/20 cricket created a huge buzz from a standing start and we hope PowerPlay will have the same impact in golf.'' REUTERS SAM PM1119