On the 9th tee, there is an option to take on a fourth black flag, a tactical decision, since on this hole alone, if you fail to make at least a par, there is a points deduction. So if you have amassed a good score to that point, you face the dilemma, protect or gamble.

The new concept has the backing and approval of the major golfing bodies, the USGA and the R&A who have helped in the drafting of the rules of play, this is definitely a supplement too the great game, and not any form of replacement.

The two events I attended, both had the advantage of being good layouts, and very difficult not to be enjoyed, Northwick Park is a made for the purpose course, designed originally as a six hole layout is has been extended to nine holes, which are all designed on the theme of a well known hole on championship courses., such as Troon, Birkdale, Walton Heath and of course the 16th at Augusta.

This complex is first class, with not only the course , but also a marvellous driving range and all the associated facilities, but also a baseball cage, and an excellent child friendly crazy golf area that makes it ideal for that family outing. The event was attended by footballer Les Ferdinand, who was announced as an ambassador for Powerplaygolf, a job he did admirably.

The follow up TV version at Frilford Heath, was played over the excellent Green course, with a shotgun start and the quality field of the main event contained ex Ryder Cup player Steve Richardson, French Open winner Malcolm McKenzie, World Cup player Mark Mouland, Dannielle Montgomery, on her debut as a lady professional, plus a mixture of top amateurs and TV celebrities.

I was interested to follow and be amazed by young Billy Spooner from Boston in Lincolnshire. This young man won the Kids World Championship when he was 8 years old, and now at ten years of age already has a handicap of nine. One to watch for the future. The caddies of each player carried two caps, one black and one white, and wore the appropriate one on each hole when the player had decided, good for the viewers to identify the gamblers.

The quality of play was excellent, with the big guns all playing well, and the top nine players, which included TV presenter Dominic Holyer, all came back to the 9th tee for a shoot out, which is part of the adapted version for TV. The hole was a short par 4, which added to the decision making, gamble with the flags, and also decide to go for the green or not. The pro?s came to the top of the pile, and after driving the green, a birdie gave the ex professional Keith Waters the winning score.

At the prizegiving, the new chief executive David Hardy, gave a progress report on the success of the launch of PowerPlayGolf, in Australia, South Africa and Ireland where National Championships have already been established.

David, a lifelong keen golfer is new in the hot seat, having joined the company after twenty years in the City. His experience will help with the planned expansion of the concept through the UK and the rest of the world.

Sitting on the terrace at Frilford, it was very interesting to eavesdrop into the various conversations about the day, from players and spectators alike. The vast majority appeared to enjoy it, and looked for opportunities and times when the format could be played. The natural attitude to utilise an additional opportunity to play and enjoy the game.

The one query was the significance of the pirate flags, which evinced several novel responses. The one disagreement was with the assertion that it would speed up the game, it certainly did not do so for our fourball when we came to play, nor in the main event.

I am fortunate that in Southern Hampshire we have an excellent short course at Ampfield, designed by the late Sir Henry Cotton. We certainly get round that much quicker, but them I am not an advocate of the sprinting golfer, and as long as there are not long delays between shots, I am happy.

Frilford Heath is always a great place to visit, with it?s three marvellous courses, and the Green one of my favourites, so I had no difficulty in thanking PowerPlayGolf for an excellent day. It was interesting to compare the effect of playing over a course designed for the purpose at Northwick Park, with the adapted layout at Frilford, but both proved to perfect for the purpose, and enjoyable to all participants.

The one disappointment was when the event was aired on Sky Television as part of Golf Night, I was looking forward to seeing how it would impact on a TV audience. Sadly the coverage was stilted, not well edited, and far too short to give the viewers an adequate taste of the event.

The shoot out did not even feature in the film. Far too much time was then spent by the four ill informed pundits discussing the concept, about which they had not adequately briefed. A poor representation of what had been a very well structured and enjoyable golfing experience. Hopefully one that can be remedied as more golfers sample the actual challenge of PowerPlayGolf..