Sunday 11 October 2015 12:38, UK
Di Dougherty is confident that the unique coverage and new innovations at the British Masters supported by Sky Sports will help bring new fans of all ages into golf.
The Game Changers presenter has conducted a number of Q&A sessions with leading European Tour professionals throughout the week at Woburn, and she has also co-hosted the hugely popular Masterclasses along with her husband Nick Dougherty.
The enjoyable atmosphere generated by the wide range of activities and attractions for all ages has been one of the stand-out successes of the tournament, and Di is hoping there will be more of the same in the future.
"The whole event has been so enjoyable," she said. "We did some player Q&As in the "hub" in the spectator village and we had some great sessions with Graeme McDowell, Shane Lowry, Soren Kjeldsen and David Horsey.
"The crowd have been really interactive with the players, who were all in a light-hearted mood. They seemed to like that kind of environment, where it's not too intense. We got some really good stories out of them as well. We asked G-Mac about his beer, pale ale and his Nona Blue restaurant in Florida, where he recommends the 'G-Mac and Cheese'!
"Shane was telling everyone what he spent his money on after he won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. Nothing extravagant - just a new house, and a new car! He really got the audience cheering.
"When the guys go in there, it's a lot more personable. They get to show their personalities and it's a good way for them to get more support when they're out on the course."
Pushing the boundaries
The live Masterclasses at the close of play on each of the first three days have proved a big hit with both on-course spectators and television viewers, and Di is delighted to have been a part of the innovation.
"The Masterclasses in particular have gone down really well," she added." The broadcast itself has been fantastic, the team have worked really long hours and it has definitely paid off. The viewers at home have pretty much had a private lesson from the top pros with the Masterclasses, which you never get to see normally.
"We've been pushing the boundaries this week, with lots of new initiative, and hopefully we'll be doing lots more of the same in the future.
"Keith Pelley, the new European Tour chief executive, has been saying that this is the start of something new for the European Tour. He knows this kind of event is the best way to grow the game, and this is the best way forward.
"We've been driving young engagement with golf throughout the week, and we have seen a lot of youngsters attending the Masterclasses which was brilliant to see.
"Bringing people into the game, making it more fun, more interaction with the crowds, this will definitely grow the game in the UK."
Watch British Masters highlights throughout the week and catch up with the Masterclasses On Demand.
