Matt Fitzpatrick welcomes Golf Foundation GolfSixes winners

Matt was added to the gloss for the GolfSixes kids after their victory when the boys and girls from Ponteland Golf Club in the North East, who won their regional Golf Foundation GolfSixes league, met Ryder Cup star Matt Fitzpatrick when they were invited along to the British Masters supported by Sky Sports at Close House by the European Tour.

GolfSixes, which returns to the European Tour International Schedule in 2018, is a modified format golf tournament which has been adapted by the Golf Foundation to have teams of six, playing six holes against other clubs, supported by their PGA Pro and parents as they make their way in competitive team golf. Nationally, 32 golf clubs have been testing the GolfSixes Academy league format in this Golf Foundation and England Golf pilot project in seven regions, all designed to further develop junior sections and backed by the European Tour and Sport England.

Ponteland’s recent win in their region at Close House against three rival teams meant the squad of 12 boys and girls, aged seven to 14, were invited as guests of the European Tour to the British Masters supported by Sky Sports, where they were introduced to the four-time European Tour winner on the first tee. Fitzpatrick signed autographs with the youngsters and answered their questions.

Golf Foundation Regional Development Officer Ian Harvey said: “All the youngsters from Ponteland GC have had a brilliant time at the British Masters thanks to their warm welcome from the European Tour. It’s been a great event here for local young people and families with a special atmosphere. And to get to meet Matt Fitzpatrick was a brilliant end to their experience. The Golf Foundation would like to thank the European Tour which has supported GolfSixes so well across all our regional leagues in this pilot project and we hope to expand on this next year.”