Is the World Super 6 Perth Golf’s Answer to Slow Play

Last week the European Tour announced a new and exciting format for the World Super 6 Perth tournament in February next year. Hoping it would raise excitement levels of golfers and help to draw in new fans from around the globe.

What used to be known as the Perth International is no more. The tournament has gotten a facelift of sorts for 2017 and is looking to be the modern version of professional golf going forward. Instead of the usual four rounds of stroke play, the World Super 6 Perth will feature 54 holes of stroke play with the traditional cut after two rounds.

However, the event’s final round will feature the top-24 players in a six-hole match play shootout on Sunday. Any ties will be decided using a specifically designed “knock-out hole.” This purpose-built 90-metre hole will be adjacent to the 18th fairway at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club and will utilise the 18th’s green.

If the knock-out hole fails to decide a winner, players will go back to the tee box for a closet-to-the-pin contest. It all sounds very exciting, doesn’t it???

In an age where pretty much everything is fast paced and in your face, one of the major gripes of golfers new to the game is the sheer length of time it takes to complete 18 holes. Spectators watching the pros do it every weekend are even complaining they take too long. So is the Super 6 the European Tour and PGA of Australasia’s answer to speeding it all up?

“This initiative was something that we spoke about at great length to our Tournament Committee, led by Chairman Thomas Bjørn,” said Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour. “We are thrilled to participate in this because, at the European Tour, we believe that golf needs to look at new and innovative formats.”

In recent years golf has struggled in bringing new players to the game, especially from the younger generation. The new Super 6 Format looks to attract this specific group by showcasing an alternative way to play the game – fast-paced and fun.

“I think this type of competition will appeal to all golfers, but especially to a younger demographic, and will encourage competitors to play aggressive and attacking golf,” said Western Australian Premier and Tourism Minister Colin Barnett.

We can’t wait to see the response when the World Super 6 Perth tees off February 16th next year!