Nick Dougherty on how celebrities can help grow the game of golf
Sunday 1 October 2017 14:12, UK
We've seen a vast number of celebrities getting involved in British Masters week at Close House, and Nick Dougherty describes how their impact can help attract a whole new audience.
Another hugely-successful British Masters has produced some fantastic entertainment both on and off the course, and it's been good for the game to see a wide variety of sportsmen and pop stars involved throughout the week at Close House.
This kind of exposure is something to build on, and the involvement of the likes of Gaz from Geordie Shore, Chris from Love Island and McFly star Harry Judd should not be underestimated. Take Harry for example; we've not got him involved because he's an amazing golfer, he's involved because he loves the game and he sees what it has to offer.
His enjoyment is evident, and it's nothing to do with financial gain or personal exposure, he loves to play the game and help grow the game. Harry can attract a whole new audience who take a keen interest in his professional life, and now they have eyes on the British Masters.
So many of them will be saying 'if Harry Judd likes golf, it could be pretty cool, so I'll try it', and that can only help people's perceptions of stereotypical golfers being old and very much 'uncool'!
It's way more accessible than it's ever been, and we've seen the likes of Rickie Fowler making the game more attractive to youngsters. If you can get the kids to at least give it a go, the rest will take care of itself.
The world of golf is making a big move to adapt to these new audiences. We've seen a number of new events like the GolfSixes and the Hero Challenge here this week, new formats and I love that aspect of it. We won't get away from the traditional 72-hole strokeplay, and the history and the heritage of the game is never something we should mess with.
But we should also continue to create opportunities for alternative ways to view the game to bring in new fans because we need to keep growing the game. We need more people playing the game, and golf has so many things to offer in terms of skills, health, integrity, work ethic and discipline. They are all by-products of the game, and people don't realise until they try it themselves.
Niall Horan is another great example, his involvement and love of the game has already attracted that new audience the sport needs. He tells his fans how much he loves the game, and how cool it can be. When they are involved at any tournament, we're not looking to see how they hit a five-iron from a tight lie to a pin tucked behind a bunker, we just want them to get the message across that golf is accessible for all and is a sport to be enjoyed.
We've had cricketers and footballers and all sorts of celebrities here this week showcasing their love of golf and why they play it as a kind of release from the pressures of their first-choice careers. It helps them relax, it keeps them fit, and it helps with team bonding.
Not all of us play cricket or football in our spare time, but there are so many sportsmen from a wide variety of sports who all enjoy their golf. If it's good enough for them, and fans of their sports get to see this, then we get more people involved and everyone benefits.
Beat the Pro
What an experience for those lucky children, and seeing two of the three kids actually beat the likes of Graeme McDowell and Ian Poulter in the Beat the Pro challenge on Saturday was very enjoyable.
Some critics called it invasive, but I disagree. It's not for us to decide if it's invasive and a distraction, it's up to the players and they embraced it. They know it's fantastic for the game, they are 100 percent happy to be involved in it.
It was one child per group for three groups on one day. That's not invasive. It needs an open mind, and thankfully, the European Tour are good at knowing what is required to help grow the game. Everyone is on board with that, we all loved it, and it makes it more interesting for golf fans and general sports fans.
And if you don't like it, go and put the kettle on!
