Hero Challenge Review

The Hero Challenge is the sort of event that “Beef” is made for. No, let me rephrase that; it’s the sort of event that’s made for fans of “Beef”. Atmosphere trumped golf at the Canary Wharf Hero Challenge. This event eradicates almost every obstacle or excuse somebody could have for not watching golf. After all, fans- like players- have to start somewhere, and I think a chilly Tuesday night in Central London has just seen that start for many, many people.

Can’t get to the golf course? No worries, we’ll stick it right in the middle of the busiest city. Don’t want to stand around all day? No worries, we’ll wrap it up in an hour. No atmosphere? No worries, we’ve got “BEEEEEEEF!”

When push comes to shove, golf is not as accessible a sport as some. That’s part of its charm: it’s unique, individual. But that doesn’t cut the mustard anymore. I don’t expect thousands of Londoners to call in sick tomorrow only to flock to their local golf course. Nor do I expect a spontaneous fourball to break out in amongst the office blocks. But fans of the sport, in whatever capacity, were gained and that’s a win.

The fact that Beef won couldn’t have worked out better for this event, but honestly I think the good luck started in the outskirts of Paris. European Captain Thomas Bjorn and players Justin Rose & Thorbjorn Olesen were greeted with love, and the Ryder Cup trophy even more so. But the Europeans brought back more than just a trophy (a beautiful, beautiful trophy); they brought the Ryder Cup atmosphere. It was very, very good timing and Sky Sports Golf did extremely well in feeding off that.

Die-hard golf fans maybe wouldn’t love it too much, but this wasn’t for them. This was a smart, innovative and ultimately fun way to help more people enjoy golf.

Celebrity Pro-Am Review

A change of pace from the Hero Challenge, but unquestionably on the same page. Niall Horan’s appearance drew a fair crowd of teenage fangirls and Roman Keating had his own, erm, “less-teenage” fans following him around. Meanwhile, the likes of Glenn Hoddle, John Terry, Mark Noble and Kenny Dalgleish attracted hoards of football fans. The Hero Challenge took away peoples’ excuses to not get involved in golf, and the Celebrity Pro-Am gave them an excuse to get involved.

With regards to the actual golf, the age-old adage of “putt for dough” jumps to mind. We saw some outstanding golf from the amateurs on a tricky course, but the gulf in class became apparent on the greens with pretty much every hole for every group. The standout group was hands down the final one of Danny Willett, John Terry, Robbie Fowler & Kenny Dalgleish. Tee-to-green they were all excellent, but the thing that got me was the camaraderie, which wasn’t surprising but was important. This event was staged for fan interaction and Willett led them in doing exactly that. Two events back-to-back aimed at helping the sport to branch out. Golf is seizing the initiative. The message is clear: Newcomers are welcome in golf.

Written by Joe Carabini

joe.carabini@foremostgolf.com