Should we applaud the World Super 6 tournament or look away in disgust?

[Hankshank]

As with the olympics, we'll see. Sounds a bit holiday on ice, but who knows, might work.

[avrag]

We'll see how it goes. It certainly sounds interesting, and having a different format once in a while is good.

Personally, I would love to see one stableford tournament per season. People love seeing birdies.

[donX]

World Number 9 Patrick Reed has withdrawn from the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth due to illness.

 

http://www.worldsuper6perth.com/reed-withdraws-from-isps-handa-world-super-6-perth/

 

Thats disappointing, saw him play at the waste management and doesn't seem to have any issus. Most likely long flights are the problem.

 

Don

[Oz Max]

Yeah I was disappointed to see that. They got Louis Oosthuizen instead whi won here last year. We do have a strong south af community in Perth so he'll have a lot of followers i think.

I'll probably go and watch the saturday round... we don't have much happening golf wise in WA

[bladehunter]

The NFL, NBA, and MLB is professional athletes in that sport. They play their respective regulation games all regular season and in the playoffs. While I agree the WGC Match Play event is a fun weekend for something different, why is everyone so "bored" of the repetition of how professional golfers participate in the events during their season??

 

You don't see the NBA deciding games on HORSE, or a quick game of 21... NFL games are never decided by taking a few players from each team and hosting a punt, pass, and kick competition...

 

Just funny that everyone is complaining about how boring golf is IMO

 

agree 100%.. seems that folks who like "golf" are few..... count me as one who likes Golf as is.... that being said i dont guess i care what they try .... most things like this will flop

[donX]

Yeah I was disappointed to see that. They got Louis Oosthuizen instead whi won here last year. We do have a strong south af community in Perth so he'll have a lot of followers i think.

I'll probably go and watch the saturday round... we don't have much happening golf wise in WA

Yes I'll go on the weekend as well. Still a good field of European and Asian pros as well as Aussies, so hopefully they will put on a good show. Go Curtis Luck!

[Dave230]

Reed has committed and then pulled out of 5 or 6 events now on the European Tour over the past few years now. Was disappointing when he pulled out of the Irish Open, then played in America the same week.

[nichho]

Hmmm. Currently, PGATour event sponsor money is based on 4 days of TV golf.

 

Thursday is curiousity day; who is playing and who is playing well. Then Friday is cut day, a little more drama for the handful on the cut line. Nothing that will peg the TV ratings, but maybe something for the booth to talk about for the hardcore fan.

 

The cost of event production is typically offset by ticket sales and except for majors, that sell tickets years in advance, you have a smattering of spectators on days 1 and 2.

 

If you had meaningful play on Thursday, ie matchplay or a cut, and meaningful play on Friday, same...wouldn't that make for an easier sell to your sponsors?

 

From what we are sold/told each week, there seems to be only a handful of players that are worthy of our attention and have a chance to win or should give us reason to watch. Golf Channel or any co-op network would hugely benefit by meaningful play on Thursday and Friday. I think it would be good for the game from that perspective.

 

However, as a lifelong baseball fan with a respect for stats and history, I see the downside of any change to format and the impact that change would almost certainly bring with it. I still haven't gotten over the designated hitter rule. :dntknw:

52, I think the problem is and always will be that golf is played during daylight and a large proportion of your Saturday/Sunday audience is at work on Thursday and Friday, so regardless of how compelling you make the golf, the eyeballs still aren't going to be there. Sure, you might get more DVR watchers, but sponsors aren't going to shell out more money just to have their commercials fast-forwarded through - and from what I've read on the TV industry, watchers are much less likely to record sports than other types of TV. There's a reason it's called Monday Night Football and not Monday Day Football.

 

For me this is the crux of the matter. Today is Sunday and Sergio was on the TV winning the Dubai Classic, was I watching? No, daylight hours are too valuable and I was too busy. As for Thursday and Friday, much the same I have too much to do. I'm retired by the way so I imagine that those who still work have next to no time at all.

 

This is the reason why I see more PGA Tour golf than ET. The coverage from CBS will start at 20:00 tonight and on a Sunday I usually make a point of watching. The strange thing is the WMO is one event that I struggle to enjoy. The PGA Tour have done something different but CBS focus on 16 too much for my conservative tastes, I turned it off last night.

[bladehunter]

Hmmm. Currently, PGATour event sponsor money is based on 4 days of TV golf.

 

Thursday is curiousity day; who is playing and who is playing well. Then Friday is cut day, a little more drama for the handful on the cut line. Nothing that will peg the TV ratings, but maybe something for the booth to talk about for the hardcore fan.

 

The cost of event production is typically offset by ticket sales and except for majors, that sell tickets years in advance, you have a smattering of spectators on days 1 and 2.

 

If you had meaningful play on Thursday, ie matchplay or a cut, and meaningful play on Friday, same...wouldn't that make for an easier sell to your sponsors?

 

From what we are sold/told each week, there seems to be only a handful of players that are worthy of our attention and have a chance to win or should give us reason to watch. Golf Channel or any co-op network would hugely benefit by meaningful play on Thursday and Friday. I think it would be good for the game from that perspective.

 

However, as a lifelong baseball fan with a respect for stats and history, I see the downside of any change to format and the impact that change would almost certainly bring with it. I still haven't gotten over the designated hitter rule. :dntknw:

52, I think the problem is and always will be that golf is played during daylight and a large proportion of your Saturday/Sunday audience is at work on Thursday and Friday, so regardless of how compelling you make the golf, the eyeballs still aren't going to be there. Sure, you might get more DVR watchers, but sponsors aren't going to shell out more money just to have their commercials fast-forwarded through - and from what I've read on the TV industry, watchers are much less likely to record sports than other types of TV. There's a reason it's called Monday Night Football and not Monday Day Football.

 

For me this is the crux of the matter. Today is Sunday and Sergio was on the TV winning the Dubai Classic, was I watching? No, daylight hours are too valuable and I was too busy. As for Thursday and Friday, much the same I have too much to do. I'm retired by the way so I imagine that those who still work have next to no time at all.

 

This is the reason why I see more PGA Tour golf than ET. The coverage from CBS will start at 20:00 tonight and on a Sunday I usually make a point of watching. The strange thing is the WMO is one event that I struggle to enjoy. The PGA Tour have done something different but CBS focus on 16 too much for my conservative tastes, I turned it off last night.

 

 

very true.. on this side of the pond i actually see more euro tour play live then PGA because im so busy...and if the weather is good or even tolerable im playing..not watching...

[tannyhoban]

Hmmm. Currently, PGATour event sponsor money is based on 4 days of TV golf.

 

Thursday is curiousity day; who is playing and who is playing well. Then Friday is cut day, a little more drama for the handful on the cut line. Nothing that will peg the TV ratings, but maybe something for the booth to talk about for the hardcore fan.

 

The cost of event production is typically offset by ticket sales and except for majors, that sell tickets years in advance, you have a smattering of spectators on days 1 and 2.

 

If you had meaningful play on Thursday, ie matchplay or a cut, and meaningful play on Friday, same...wouldn't that make for an easier sell to your sponsors?

 

From what we are sold/told each week, there seems to be only a handful of players that are worthy of our attention and have a chance to win or should give us reason to watch. Golf Channel or any co-op network would hugely benefit by meaningful play on Thursday and Friday. I think it would be good for the game from that perspective.

 

However, as a lifelong baseball fan with a respect for stats and history, I see the downside of any change to format and the impact that change would almost certainly bring with it. I still haven't gotten over the designated hitter rule. :dntknw:

52, I think the problem is and always will be that golf is played during daylight and a large proportion of your Saturday/Sunday audience is at work on Thursday and Friday, so regardless of how compelling you make the golf, the eyeballs still aren't going to be there. Sure, you might get more DVR watchers, but sponsors aren't going to shell out more money just to have their commercials fast-forwarded through - and from what I've read on the TV industry, watchers are much less likely to record sports than other types of TV. There's a reason it's called Monday Night Football and not Monday Day Football.

 

For me this is the crux of the matter. Today is Sunday and Sergio was on the TV winning the Dubai Classic, was I watching? No, daylight hours are too valuable and I was too busy. As for Thursday and Friday, much the same I have too much to do. I'm retired by the way so I imagine that those who still work have next to no time at all.

 

This is the reason why I see more PGA Tour golf than ET. The coverage from CBS will start at 20:00 tonight and on a Sunday I usually make a point of watching. The strange thing is the WMO is one event that I struggle to enjoy. The PGA Tour have done something different but CBS focus on 16 too much for my conservative tastes, I turned it off last night.

 

And conversely, that is why I see more European Tour golf. Pre-dawn to early daylight here on weekends, if I'm not teeing it up myself that is.

[Dave230]

So Reed is pre-emptively too ill to play next week, but is fit enough to play this week. Must try that excuse at work if I don't fancy the workload next week.

[MattyO1984]

So Reed is pre-emptively too ill to play next week, but is fit enough to play this week. Must try that excuse at work if I don't fancy the workload next week.

 

That's exactly what I thought when I read the news. Either he is seeing that same Doctor that diagnosed Tiger with back spasms for next week already or he is just trolling the European Tour. Either way, another reason for me not to root for the guy!

[Roadking2003]

Go for it.

 

From a TV viewer, I much prefer 72 holes of medal play. Match play can be quite boring depending on who gets eliminated.

[Roadking2003]

I will never fault someone for trying to add some variety to golf and its formats. 72-holes of stroke play may be golf in its purist form, but it can get quite monotonous.

 

I absolutely loved the change in the WGC Match Play, mimicking the World Cup pool play, so kudos to the European Tour for changing things up. I hope it's successful!

 

Match play is the purest (and original) form of Golf.

 

 

Original is meaningless . Hickory shafts are also original.

 

Pure is subjective.

[Roadking2003]

So Reed is pre-emptively too ill to play next week, but is fit enough to play this week. Must try that excuse at work if I don't fancy the workload next week.

 

That's exactly what I thought when I read the news. Either he is seeing that same Doctor that diagnosed Tiger with back spasms for next week already or he is just trolling the European Tour. Either way, another reason for me not to root for the guy!

 

So his apology is meaningless?

 

“I am bitterly disappointed not to be competing in the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth event,” said Reed.

 

“Withdrawing from the event is not a decision I made lightly. I have done everything I can to make the trip possible, but my health and the advice of doctors is not something I can overlook.

“I wish all parties involved with the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth the best of luck with the tournament.

“To my fans I extend my apologies, I hope that one day I will be able to come to Australia and compete.”

[Roadking2003]

Reed has committed and then pulled out of 5 or 6 events now on the European Tour over the past few years now. Was disappointing when he pulled out of the Irish Open, then played in America the same week.

 

Depending on the illness, I can understand being able to play golf but not be able to make an all night plane ride.

[ruca]

From a math viewpoint , this is a total gimmick; even 18 hole match play is close to 50:50 at this level of play; 6 holes is total crapshoot - unless it's a Swiss system and no one is eliminated and everyone plays 5 "rounds" of 6 holes - now that's what they should be doing

 

This format is basically get in the top 24 then toss coins

[upanddown52]

Apologies for totally losing this thread and not responding. Not exactly sure of my state of mind, or even my precise point in original response. It appears I was making the case for why someone, ie Tourney organizer, would entertain the thought of making golf more meaningful and TV friendly for viewers and therefore sponsors.

 

Not saying I agree, but college football has benefited from playing games other than Saturday. Likewise, the NFL now has a Thursday game. If you can artfully include formats or available watch times without compromising the essence of the sport and its historical records, I say its worth a shot.

 

And for posting symmetry, I will include a baseball nightmare for the traditionalist. Baseball, in the Minors at least, is considering automatically placing a runner on second base for extra inning games. Good grief.

[Roadking2003]

How about have the pros play a game of Wolf? That would be different and exciting.

[Disco Dave]

This looks like it could be fun!! Good on the European tour for trying something different.

 

http://www.golfwa.or...ise-world-golf/

 

Seems a bit too contrived, but in general I think the Euro Tour has some interesting events. I'm all for trying new stuff and seeing how it's received.

[xflex]

Love it. Hopefully we see more of these new 'game" formats.

[KennyP]

Worth a try. The strength of field could be the problem though. Not many 'big' names playing, so there's a chance Sunday could be contested between a bunch of relative unknowns.

[Golfjack]

I think it's a fun idea but they should not get pros to do it. Make it an open competition for top amateurs or what not. Maybe web.com guys (not sure what the euro equivalent is) and get some money in it. It's fun, much like the 3 on 3 tournaments are fun for basketball, but shouldn't intersect with the main event, rather just being an intro to golf.

 

Although seriously, most people think golf is boring. I think baseball is boring too, and think people watch baseball cuz they can drink and eat and yell at games. You have to walk around and can't really act all that 'fun' at real tournaments. Non golfers can't stand watching golf on TV. Basketball, football, soccer, are all fun to watch with lots happening on the same field. Golf happens all over the place. There are many 'problems' with it, but it shouldn't be why we want to change it.

 

Golf is what it is, and it will never be a major sport despite what the sponsors want. They want to make it more fun? Then they can change the scoring formats and award points for big hitters which will attract better athletes. Power always is fun to watch. The long drive comp isn't as fun if the guy is allowed to keep hitting it OB but that's just my opinion.

[MattyO1984]

So Reed is pre-emptively too ill to play next week, but is fit enough to play this week. Must try that excuse at work if I don't fancy the workload next week.

 

That's exactly what I thought when I read the news. Either he is seeing that same Doctor that diagnosed Tiger with back spasms for next week already or he is just trolling the European Tour. Either way, another reason for me not to root for the guy!

 

So his apology is meaningless?

 

“I am bitterly disappointed not to be competing in the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth event,” said Reed.

 

“Withdrawing from the event is not a decision I made lightly. I have done everything I can to make the trip possible, but my health and the advice of doctors is not something I can overlook.

“I wish all parties involved with the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth the best of luck with the tournament.

“To my fans I extend my apologies, I hope that one day I will be able to come to Australia and compete.” *

 

*

"meanwhile I thoroughly enjoyed playing at Pebble last week and will thoroughly enjoy playing Riveria this week."

 

His apology and excuse for not playing became 100% meaningless the moment he decided to peg it up somewhere else the same week. The guy lacks class but given everything we have heard about him that shouldn't really come as much of a surprise.

[cja001]

End of Round 1 with Mark Foster and Brett Rumford leading at -6, highest ranked player upon field Alex Noren struggling at +2

[Hawkeye77]

Courtesy of the flu I woke up very early this morning and turned it on. Not very compelling. I'm a little biased because my head wanted to explode and I had to close my eyes instead of looking at the screen, but listening revealed some really bad golf commentary. Ended up turning it off. We'll see what the weekend brings.

[Oz Max]

Heard an interview this morning with Brett Rumford (Aussie), he mentioned that they all try to qualify for the Sunday, not necessarily play the best, no need to go low and take risks during the first 3 days.

Strongish Easterlies this morning in Perth, top temperature 32 Celsius, it should be a nice and challenging day.

[ruca]

Heard an interview this morning with Brett Rumford (Aussie), he mentioned that they all try to qualify for the Sunday, not necessarily play the best, no need to go low and take risks during the first 3 days.

Strongish Easterlies this morning in Perth, top temperature 32 Celsius, it should be a nice and challenging day.

 

If someone plays lights out first 3 days and is say 10 shots clear after 3 rounds, don't think he'll be too happy . Instead of likely winning or worst 2nd , he's now in last 8 with 50:50 chance of winning each match thereafter;

 

I get there's a balance to be had between luck, skill, and excitement. But I don't get why you would want to completely remove the skill element at a certain point ( and more so the critical point)

[Hawkeye77]

Heard an interview this morning with Brett Rumford (Aussie), he mentioned that they all try to qualify for the Sunday, not necessarily play the best, no need to go low and take risks during the first 3 days.

Strongish Easterlies this morning in Perth, top temperature 32 Celsius, it should be a nice and challenging day.

 

And the result of this format is uninspiring play. Revealing interview.

 

 

[KennyP]

Watched quite a lot of the 3rd round and this format certainly made Saturday's play more interesting.

 

Would like to see one small change whereby the medalist on Saturday gets some reward, say 10% of the 1st prize.

 

Tomorrow we shall see if 6 hole matches are long enough for both players and spectators, or whether it is just a crap shoot.