Golf in 2017: Five things that would be cool to see in the new year
The first ever Major Series of Putting should be a hit with golf fans
Last month, I had the chance to do a little Q&A with the Head of Marketing for the Major Series of Putting, Mathieu Depatie to discuss the fun new tournament. The Major Series of Putting is exactly what the title implies; a big putting tournament where participants have a chance to win some big bucks.
The event will take place in Las Vegas, one of America’s finest golf destinations, inside a cool little arena that will have lights. If this tourney doesn’t begin to grow in popularity over time, then I will be absolutely stunned.
Under the lights, in a stadium, on a putting course designed by Jack Nicklaus and his design crew, plus, anyone can participate. Oh, did I mention the tourney is supposed to be televised as well?
In the first slide, I talked about the popularity of the long drive, and how more power competitions could be televised or heard on radio. Well, now, the simplest, yet probably the hardest aspect of golf has a massive tournament of its own.
What makes putting so great, is that it’s the one thing I feel any of us can do, even if it can be very challenging. We can all grab a flat stick and try our hand at one of sports’ most interesting movements.
It’s also something you can easily practice at home, at a hotel room, or even at work (when the boss isn’t looking, but maybe he or she will join you). The Major Series of Putting takes it to a whole new level, and I feel that it is something that everyone can enjoy, whether as a fan or participant.
There are a ton of terrific putting courses out there just waiting to be played on. Some of the most famous include Thisle Dhu at Pinehurst, the Himilayas which is located right on the Old Course at St. Andrews, and the PunchBowl, a newer putting track over at Bandon Dunes.
Putting is the one aspect of golf that anyone can get into. The fact that there is a big tournament dedicated to this beautiful part of golf is cool and refreshing.
If the first tourney is a success then you can expect more interest as time goes. Being in Las Vegas definitely helps as well, with many folks looking for things to do and events to attend.
Not to mention, Vegas a great golf city, with tracks like the Wynn, Shadow Creek and Piaute in its arsenal of golf treasures. With the combination of all of these things, it seems like this event can only continue to grow and it will be fun to follow this one in March.
You can visit MSOP.com to get more info on how you can get involved.
Next: Top-5 Moments of 2015-16 PGA Tour Season: #1. The Open Championship
Well, there you have it. Some ways to build more interest in golf in 2017 and beyond. I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year.