Keith Pelley vows to build on the success of the GolfSixes

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has outlined his intention to build on the success of the inaugural GolfSixes at Centurion.

Pelley insisted the Tour would remain loyal to the traditions of the sport, but he is fully aware of the need for innovative, entertaining new concepts to generate more interest for non-golf fans and the younger generation.

World Cup of Golf winner Thorbjorn Olesen tasted victory in a team format once again, this time alongside Lucas Bjerregaard as they beat Australia 2-1 in the final, and Pelley was delighted with the positive feedback on the concept from players and fans alike.

"It's been terrific, and definitely something we can build on," Pelley told Sky Sports 4. "It's a brand we can bring back, and we'll do a lot of research now, listening to our stakeholders, our consumers and our sponsors. The fans have been fantastic and we've had a great response on social media - keep those ideas coming in on the concept.

"What has been absolutely spectacular is the players here this weekend. They've embraced it, they're engaging with the fans and they're loving it. And remember, they were playing for a million euros, so there was some pretty significant money on the table as well.

What has been absolutely spectacular is the players here this weekend. They've embraced it, they're engaging with the fans and they're loving it

"At the end of the day, everybody in sport is in the entertainment business, and that's what we've seen here at Centurion as well as athletes playing at the highest level.

"We will always maintain the integrity of the game, and that's why we went for a greensomes match play format. But at the same time, you've got to be entertaining and stretch beyond the norm.

"I think that's what we've done with the GolfSixes, and once you have that balance right, then you're onto something special and something we can build on in the future."

Bjerregaard added: "I think it's definitely got the crowds' attention. I was really happy to see how many kids came out these last couple days, and hopefully, that will get some of them into golf and think it's fun.

"I wouldn't mind a few events a year like this, especially if I have Thorbjorn as a partner. I could see it really taking off, no doubt. You could do it in many different ways. You could do a two‑man team, or you could do individual. I think the fact that it only takes an hour and 10, 15 minutes to play, could make for good TV."

Meanwhile, England pair Andy Sullivan and Chris Wood believe the shot clock being used on the fourth hole at Centurion was very useful for highlighting the "embarrassing" pace of play on the European Tour.

The time limit per shot was set at 40 seconds for the first two sessions on Saturday, although that wasn't enough for American Paul Peterson to incur a costly one-shot penalty for taking two long in the USA's clash against Wales.

Tournament officials were happy to accommodate player requests to reduce the limit to 30 seconds, and Sullivan said: "We had such a long time, we had ages and it's embarrassing when we're playing on the Tour and it is taking so long.

"I personally think they need to be stricter with it. This week everyone was quicker because they knew as soon as it went to zero they were getting a shot penalty. In a normal event you have that little bit of leniency.

"It's highlighted you really don't need 40 seconds. It proves everyone can play that quick - it's just the fact that when it's not on them, they won't. It's up to the Tour to push that and get on them."

Wood added: "I think that's quite a lot to do with it, naming and shaming. There's too much leniency, I think. Players are to blame. You hold your hands up there, but referees can be stronger, I think."