Andy Sullivan leads praise for inaugural, innovative GolfSixes

Andy Sullivan believes having more events like the innovative GolfSixes could "transform" the sport as players at Centurion were united in their praise for the tournament.

The inaugural six-hole match-play competition featuring 16 two-man teams and a greensomes format was well received by the field on the first of two days at the Hertfordshire venue.

Each hole has a particular theme, including a longest drive contest at the third and nearest the pin at the short fifth, while the fourth features a shot clock which was reduced from 40 seconds to 30 after the second session. Only American Paul Peterson incurred a penalty for taking too long over his approach.

Sullivan partnered Ryder Cup team-mate Chris Wood for the host nation, and they qualified for Sunday's quarter-finals by following draws against India and Denmark with a 4-0 drubbing of the Netherlands to finish top of Group A.

This can really be something big in the future for golf. I think a few more events like this could really transform golf

"The atmosphere out here from the start has been brilliant," said Sullivan. "Obviously being the host nation there's a lot of home support, which is fantastic for us. We feel like we've got the best of the atmosphere out of all the teams and hopefully that can push us on.

"This can really be something big in the future for golf. You won't get away from the traditional 72-hole tournament but I think a few more events like this could really transform golf."

Scotland's pairing of Marc Warren and Richie Ramsay beat Belgium and Spain to ensure a last-eight place with a match to spare, and Warren said: "It's been great. Going to the first tee with the smoke and music playing, it's a little bit different for us, it's more like a TV show.

"But it's very fitting with the rest of the tournament, and I hope it comes across on TV pretty well. I think you have to try and smash it from the start really. It's such a short, quick format, that you have to, and I think a lead is so important in six holes.

"If you get off to a good, solid start, get out in front early on, you kind of fancy your chances. But if you get behind, it's difficult to try and claw back in six holes."

Matteo Manassero holed a superb putt on the final green to snatch victory over Sweden and earn a quarter-final clash with England, and the former BMW PGA champion added: "I think it's something that should stick, it's something that we are all having a lot of fun with. The crowd is really nice and a lot of cheers, a lot of fun from everybody."

Live GolfSixes

Portugal's Ricardo Gouveia also joined the chorus of approval, saying: "It's pretty fun. It's been awesome to engage a bit more with the fans and see the kids out here supporting, having fun and supporting golf.

"I think it's the way forward. I think the Tour is doing a really good job."