Golfsixes hits South African shores

3 July 2023 – Welcome to golf…T20 style! GolfRSA is excited to announce that the popular GolfSixes League – golf’s game-changer in Britain, Ireland and Continental Europe – launched in South Africa and will be rolled out at golf clubs across the country.

“GolfSixes League has revolutionised golf in every country that has embraced the concept. GolfRSA is excited to partner with The R&A on this fantastic initiative in our mutual drive to encourage more people in South Africa into taking up the sport, or remaining in the sport, and enjoying a different format,” said GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn.

“GolfSixes League is such a creative way to bring beginners into the game, and especially to give families the chance to play together. We believe the shorter, quicker team format is an exciting way to get young and old started in golf in a fun, yet competitive environment and a great way of building confidence among new players.”

The GolfSixes League is a development initiative which introduces people to golf in a fun and inclusive environment, along with an added competitive element.

It enables participants to progress from using driving ranges or practice facilities as beginners to playing golf in teams of six over six holes using a two-person scramble format on courses adapted to their skill levels.

GolfSixes League has already proven popular across Great Britain and Ireland as well as in European countries including Belgium, Germany, Holland, Poland, Spain, Switzerland.

Krugersdorp Golf Club hosted GolfRSA’s inaugural GolfSixes activation on 30 June. Further events are in the pipeline, including Irene Country Club in August and Ruimsig Country Club in October.

“We will be hosting a number of these activation days and events to introduce the GolfSixes concept around the country for the rest of the year, where new and beginner golfers can sign up, learn to play the game and take part as a pair in event. The next step will be to set up the GolfSixes League with teams of six in 2024,” Hepburn said.

“GolfRSA experienced tremendous growth in the golf industry post the Covid-19 lockdown, especially in the junior and women spaces, and we believe that the introduction of GolfSixes League will keep those golfers engaged, while drawing new members to the game.”

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said: “The R&A is committed to supporting initiatives that encourage people into golf and be retained within the sport. We are delighted to be collaborating with GolfRSA to introduce GolfSixes League to children and adults in South Africa.

“GolfSixes has proven to be a success amongst parents and young people in Great Britian and Ireland as well as Continental Europe as it introduces golf in a fun and enjoyable short-form activity. We hope the expansion of GolfSixes League to adults who are time poor can provide a meaningful boost to participation numbers across South Africa.”

In 2022, across GB&I, over 500 golf venues offered 93 GolfSixes Leagues in which 6992 players participated with 25.5% of those being girls. Following on from GolfSixes League there was a 47% increase in junior membership at participating clubs. In Europe over 500 children from 75 golf clubs participated in 25 leagues.

For more information about GolfRSA’s GolfSixes League, contact:
Lara Weinstein
Manager: WHS & Related Project and email address to:
Email: laraweinstein@golfrsa.co.za

Michael Johnston
GolfRSA WHS and Related Projects Administrator
Email: michaeljohnston@golfrsa.co.za