PowerPlay Golf announces roll-out for the U.S. market

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ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- PowerPlay Golf, the two-flag, 'risk and reward' nine-hole game, announced its intention to introduce the innovative format more widely in the United States. As part of its U.S. rollout, PowerPlay Golf will benefit from an expanded relationship with the World Golf Foundation.

Having recently launched a new adult player development program, Get Golf Ready, and with established initiatives The First Tee and GOLF 20/20 already in place, the World Golf Foundation is focused on promoting golf and participation in the sport both in the U.S. and around the world.

David Hardy, CEO of PowerPlay Golf, said, "The relationships that the World Golf Foundation already enjoy with all the relevant parties both in the U.S. and worldwide make it an ideal resource as we seek to bring PowerPlay Golf to a wider audience in America. There are clear synergies in our organizations: we both seek to make golf more accessible and appealing to new audiences.

"The World Golf Foundation will help us to establish a firmer footing in the U.S. by introducing us to key personnel within the infrastructure of golf in the country, and by advising us as we formulate a pilot program.

"In return, PowerPlay Golf will continue to support all the Foundation's initiatives, including Get Golf Ready and The First Tee."

Stephen F. Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation, said, "As part of our mission, the World Golf Foundation seeks to broaden awareness of new or innovative methods to grow interest and participation in golf. We are pleased to be of assistance as the PowerPlay Golf team embarks on a wider launch in the U.S."

In the last 12 months, PowerPlay Golf has established itself as the world's leading 'short form' of golf.

PGA Professional championships have been held in the UK, Ireland and South Africa, while discussions about the global development of PowerPlay Golf are well advanced with a number of governing bodies and broadcasters around the world.

The South African PGA recently became the latest official Golf Development Partner for PowerPlay Golf, and over 75,000 golfers have now experienced the game in 15 countries.

PowerPlay Golf, which uses a modified Stableford points scoring system, challenges players to choose between two flags on a green -- a Black 'PowerPlay' Flag placed in a tough location, and an easier White Flag.

Players scoring net birdie or better on a PowerPlay to the Black Flag score double points, but PowerPlays are limited and golfers must deploy them carefully during their nine-hole round.

Golfers earn PowerPlay Dollars from participation in PowerPlay Golf Official Events and also in casual play, enabling them to climb World Rankings and also to compete in user-generated Custom Leagues around the world.

Peter McEvoy, OBE, co-founder of PowerPlay Golf, said, "We are looking forward to continuing the relationship that we already have with The First Tee and GOLF 20/20, and to building it further with the World Golf Foundation.

"Because of its short, exciting format, PowerPlay Golf is ideally suited to support the Foundation's aims of growing interest in golf.

"With time and money a major issue for many people, a game that can be played in half the time for half the cost -- with added challenge and fun -- is extremely appealing alternative to 18 holes, particularly with new golfers."

A number of golf courses in the U.S. have already become Official Venues for PowerPlay Golf. As part of The First Tee initiative, four The First Tee facilities have hosted PowerPlay Golf Official Events. Going forward, it is expected that additional The First Tee facilities will sign up to host the program in 2009.

The First Tee gives young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop life enhancing values such as confidence, perseverance and judgment through golf and character education.