Ground-breaking competition at Alderley Edge Golf Club this summer

It will stage the country’s first mixed nine-hole championship, with men, women and juniors all competing on the same day.

The new competition echoes the national Golf Express campaign, which promotes the shorter version of the sport with the message ‘All the game in half the time.’ The tournament, initiated by the Cheshire Union of Golf Clubs and organised in conjunction with the Cheshire Ladies County Golf Association, will take place at Alderley Edge on Thursday, August 31, with entries now open.

On the day, men and women will play from separate tees in a stableford competition that awards points per hole depending on the player’s score and shot allowance under their handicap.

Gareth Shaw, England Golf regional manager, said: “Golf Express has been a successful campaign to highlight that you do not need to play the traditional full round of 18 holes to enjoy all the health and social benefits that the sport can bring.

“In many people’s lives, time is at a premium so nine-hole golf is a great way of staying active and keeping in touch with people.

“This new event recognises that and shows that golf is breaking down the barriers and the old perceptions.

“Here is a great competition that will bring together male and female players of all ages in the shorter format of the sport, which shows it can be enjoyed competitively, if you wish, just as much as a friendly game which still provides some welcome exercise.”