Co-sanctioning golf Tours visit venue to fix format for Jordan Mixed Open

By Rahul Banerji

Women’s golf in India may be some way from thinking of mixed events, but the picture across Asia is somewhat different given the volume of talent pouring out especially from South Korea and now Thailand.

But there is a case to be made for such tournaments and even the most lucrative professional golf tour in the world,the US PGA Tour, had a mixed event of sorts in the QBE Shootout that ended in Naples, Florida, on Sunday.

LPGA star Lexi Thompson paired up with Tony Finau to wow some of the PGA Tour regulars with her power hitting, and though they finished seventh, Thompson had made her mark.

US Presidents Cup captain Tiger Woods was impressed enough to not only watch, but also text Bubba Watson during a match against Thompson and Finau to ask how many times she had out-driven his partner Harold Varner.

First of its kind

Be that as it may, the European Tour and the Ladies European Tour have put on the cards a first ever mixed event to be played in April next year towards which final touches are being put in place.

As part of reparations for the inaugural Jordan Mixed Open presented by Ayla, representatives of the two tours recently visited Aqaba, Jordan, which will host the event.

Simon Higginbottom, tournament director representing both the Staysure and Challenge Tours, and Davide Lantos, the LET’s director of tournament operations, met at Ayla Golf Club last week to survey the course and confirm the finer details of the format of play for the tournament.

The principle objective was to ensure a level playing field for all competitors in the field of 123, consisting of 40 members of each tour and one leading amateur from the men’s, ladies’ and over-50s’ games.

The first-of-its-kind strokeplay event, which will reward one overall champion while reserving recognition for the leading players from the other two tours, will take place from April 4 to 6, 2019.

Level playing field

The visit confirmed that the 54-hole tournament will see golfers from each respective tour, for the most part, tee it up from three different teeing grounds per hole.

Attention was paid not only to the length of the course facing each competitor but the angles of play as well, ensuring, where possible, bunkers and water hazards have an equal impact.

Said Higginbottom, “The Jordan Mixed Open brings with it some challenges regarding course set up.

“With its design emphasis on proper playing angles, strategy and firm ground conditions, the course at Ayla is well suited to the mixed format and will, with our carefully managed tee and pin positions, provide all three categories of player with the ability to score well.”

Added Lantos, “The event, to be played in the cradle of modern civilisation, is a great opportunity to showcase all that is great about women’s golf.

Gender equality

“In a world that is beginning to recognise the importance of gender equality, this unique format could not have been better timed.

“The real challenge for us is in preparing the course and in ensuring the correct format of play so that our male and female professionals can compete with the same chance to score well.

“We are sure that this will be a challenging but enjoyable tournament for players and an exciting and engaging event for spectators.”

The concept, which recognises the importance of equality and equal opportunity, was the vision of Ayla’s ownership, who have created a premier golf and leisure development close to the Red Sea city of Aqaba on the shores of Jordan’s southern coastline.

Also read:Tiger Woods sets sights on playing role in 2019 Presidents Cup