Sporting Legends Hail Event as Future of Golf

Three-time Olympic javelin medallist Steve Backley and ex-world boxing champion Barry McGuigan hailed Golf Live as a fantastic vehicle to grow the game of golf as they joined more than 12,198 golfers at the three-day golfing extravaganza.

The duo are members at the prestigious London Golf Club, in Kent, the venue for the event, and having attended in previous years, were pleased with how Golf Live is progressing at their home club.

Backley, who visited with his golf-loving daughters Ellese, eight, and Sophia, six, said: “I love the concept of Golf Live and thoroughly enjoyed it last year. It’s great to see it thriving again this year and building on its success.

“It’s great to see the pros up close and personal and get a bit of their personality. With a lot of sports, you don’t really get to know the individuals; you see people and make judgements on their personalities and think they’re very serious.

“Colin Montgomerie’s a good example where people judge him on his championship temperament, but he’s at work under pressure, but what’s lovely about Golf Live is you get to understand the persona of the greats of the game.

“Like any sport it’s important to engage kids at a young age. I always say to really grab people’s interest you get them first in their heart and then in their head. I think that’s consistent in any sporting context or life, and I think Golf Live has the opportunity to do that because people can fall in love with the characters, the concept, the places, the equipment, the fashions.

“There’s so much to fall in love with and it comes to life here more than it does at a championship event.”

McGuigan echoed the sentiments of his club president and added: “It seems to be getting bigger every year with more people through the gate.

“The treat really is the professionals. Gary Player is an incredible man just a legend, and so informative and interesting, I could just sit listening to him talking about golf all day. It’s fascinating stuff.

“Without doubt this is the kind of event which will help get people in to the game of golf. It really really appeals to kids. Kids who come along and listen to the likes of Gary Player and Colin Montgomerie are going to be hooked permanently, there’s no doubt about that. It’s so engaging and magnetic that they all want to pick up a club.”

BBC TV and radio presenter Chris Evans helped set a new British record for the fastest 18 holes of golf at the event, as an all-star team completed their round in less than 11 minutes. The One Show host was joined by his wife and three-year-old son, and was full of praise.

He said: “Golf Live is great and there really is something here for everyone. It’s a fantastic family day out and people of all ages have the opportunity to hit all sorts of shots. I love it.

“It’s not just the visitors who enjoy themselves, the professionals also have a lot of fun passing on tips and advice and that’s what it’s all about.

“My son Noah had his first proper golf lessons over the weekend at the Velcro School of Golf. My son discovered the joys of Velcro at Golf Live!”

Backley and Evans weren’t the only ones to have a great family day out, with thousands of golfers visiting the London Golf Club for the Golf Live experience.

Neil Gardiner travelled from his West Sussex home with daughter Sasha, 12, and was delighted he’d made the trip. He said: “There’s lots to do and see, it’s been really enjoyable.

“There’s a wide range of products right from beginners to things for a really good standard of golfer.
It’s been great, I’ve come here with my daughter and she’s really enjoyed it. She’s had a good trial of clubs, putters, balls and everything.

“We’ll be looking to come back in the future, it’s a real family atmosphere and really good.”

Dan Williams, from Chelmsford, Essex, who visited with a group of friends and their children, said: “It’s been really good. What’s been nice is that we’ve brought the kids down for the day and they’ve really enjoyed it, having a wander round the tented village. They’re just starting to get into golf so it’s a nice venue to bring them to.

“It’s always great to see the pros. The trick-shot shows are great entertainment, they’re really good fun.”

While many visitors had planned their trip well in advance, Danny Birmingham from Swanley, Kent, made a last-minute decision to visit and was pleased he did. He said: “My friend gave me a ring on Friday and asked me if I fancied coming along. I didn’t know what to expect but the whole thing has been fantastic.

“The thing I enjoyed most was seeing Joe Miller, the long drive champion. To watch him hit a putter more than 260 yards was amazing.

“I didn’t know much about the event before but I will definitely be back. It has been great.”

In addition to displays and clinics from an array of golfing stars including Montgomerie, Player, European Tour winners Thomas Levet, Pablo Larrazabal and Oli Fisher and Solheim Cup winners Alison Nicholas and Melissa Reid, visitors could take in all the latest golfing products available.

The big brands were showcasing their latest equipment on the driving range while fairway fashion, golfing gadgets and the hottest destinations were all on offer.

Renowned short-game coach Pete Cowen, 2010 world long-drive champion Joe Miller and trick-shot artists Jeremy Dale and Paul Barrington also thrilled the crowds, while a variety of opportunities were available for free tuition and great prizes were up for grabs in a host of interactive features.

With so much to take in Steve Wingfield, from Bromley, Kent, admitted he’d struggled to see everything. He said: “It’s been great, we’ve had a great day. It’s been good entertainment. There’s an excellent range of products on offer, almost too much to see in one day.

“I’ve been impressed by the amount on offer for kids. My son’s had a few free lessons and lots of different equipment to have a look at.”

For more information about Golf Live and for details about the 2013 event, go to www.golfliveevent.com.