GolfSixes goes down to the wire as Thailand emerge victorious

Thailand captured the GolfSixes Cascais title after winning a nearest-the-pin play-off against England in Saturday’s final.
The innovative European Tour event returned for its second and final day in Portugal, as the eight remaining teams were whittled down to one.
Back were a host of innovations aimed at appealing to a younger demographic and broadening the European Tour’s appeal, from teeing off over a swimming pool surrounded by VIPs, fans and a DJ to a 30-second shot clock on the fourth hole and players being allowed to wear shorts and use measuring devices for the first time.
https://twitter.com/EuropeanTour/status/1137297320687611904
Back as well was the six-hole modified greensomes format, as the day started with four quarter-final clashes.
The England team of Tom Lewis & Paul Waring advanced to the semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Sweden, and then secured a 3-0 victory over Italy to reach the final.
England are in the final 🏴#GolfSixes pic.twitter.com/zYmnKb0olx
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 8, 2019
As for Thailand duo Thongchai Jaidee and Phachara Khongwatmai, they proved too strong for the Scots in their quarter-final match-up, winning 3-1, and then had enough to secure a 1-0 semi-final victory over a dangerous Spain side, who were the only team to win all three of their round robin matches on Friday.
That meant it was England and Thailand who would battle it out for the title, but they could not be separated after six holes, with both teams having managed to pick up a single point.
Lewis had a shortish putt on the final green to win the whole thing, but it went whizzing past.
To win the #GolfSixes… pic.twitter.com/uw2vf7iTqg
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 8, 2019
The rules called for a nearest-the-pin play-off to decide the contest, and it was 20-year-old Phachara – 29 years his team-mate’s junior – who produced an accurate tee shot at the par-3 sixth and got a favourable bounce to finish just a few feet from the hole and secure the victory for his team.
Thailand win the #GolfSixes! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/K538Zyqcus
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 8, 2019
And with a swimming pool nearby, there was nothing like celebrating your win with a quick dip.
https://twitter.com/EuropeanTour/status/1137396585023889410
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy on latest near-miss in Abu Dhabi: ‘I don’t feel like I played great’
McIlroy avoids mentioning final-round blues but admits he needs to get more consistent.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.