In a genuine first, the PGA of America is offering fans a unique chance to pick the pin location for the final day of the PGA Championships via its latest campaign – ‘Pick The 15th Hole’.
The governing body has linked up with ambassador Jack Nicklaus on a project that enables golf lovers to play a role in setting up the course for a Major tournament. The fans are invited to have their own set-up influence at the pivotal par three 15th hole for PGA Championship Sunday.
Launched to leverage the spike in interest in the sport during The Open Championships, fans are encouraged to visit the rights owner’s website – at www.PGA.com – from 23 July to 10 August in order to vote for one of four final round hole locations for the 181-yard 15th hole.
This year’s PGA Championship, a tournament which has been run since the organisation itself was created in 1916 and arguably features the strongest current field in the world of golf, takes place between 8 and 11 August at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York.
The golfing legend hosts the initiative which aims to both empower golf fans and also to educate them via a professional perspective on how course setup impacts a golfer’s strategy in playing a hole. Throughout the campaign Nicklaus provides insider insights whilst explaining what hole location information players are provided each day and how that affects their tactics.
Five-times PGA winner Nicklaus, whose last PGA Championship victory was at the same Oak Hill course in 1980, has worked in tandem with PGA Chief Championships Officer Kerry Haigh to select the hole based on the impact it will likely have on the outcome of the season’s final major tournament.
Between them they have selected four distinct hole locations for fans to vote on.
On 11 August, during Sunday’s final round coverage on TNT and CBS, fans will be able to see the winning hole position that will be used.
The central campaign is anchored by a webfilm featuring Nicklaus outlining the initiative and other online executions drive consumers to the voting platform.
PGA.com, the Official Website of The PGA of America which is managed by Turner Sports, will also offer video vignettes from Nicklaus that will educate golfers on how course setup impacts a golfer’s strategy in playing a hole
Fans are also encouraged to follow the conversation via #pgachamp #YouPick.
To incentivise participation, the PGA is offering those voting a chance to win a behind-the-scenes trip for two at next year’s 2014 PGA Championship (which takes place at the Nicklaus-designed Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky).
‘The chance for golf fans to interact with the PGA Championship and play a role in shaping the outcome of the final round fascinates me,’ says Nicklaus.
‘It’s like being able to call the shots during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl. In addition to playing a key role in the outcome of the Championship, golf fans can learn many aspects of on-course strategy, as The PGA of America and I present educational videos to enhance their golf experience. I believe this new concept will serve as an exciting hands-on learning experience for golf fans and I’m happy to be involved.’
Haigh, who has set up PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, and PGA Grand Slam of Golf courses since 1989, is excited about the possibilities of the Challenge. “Now, golf fans will experience what is involved with the selection of hole locations, as well as the dramatic effect that this placement has on the game plans of the world’s best players,’ comments Haigh.
Comment
An innovative activation that engages, educates and empowers fans.
By giving fans more power and involving them in the play through consumer control the PGA hope to attract more people to the tournament and to the game.
‘The opportunity for fans to take part in the interactive ‘PGA Championship Pick the Hole Location Challenge’ is part of a new era in engagement that connects golf fans with the Season’s Final Major in a fun and dramatic way,’ said PGA President Ted Bishop.
‘The PGA of America is delighted to present this innovative opportunity, as we believe this is the first time that consumers have been able to make a direct and significant impact on a global sports arena.’
‘We are honoured that the legendary Jack Nicklaus will lead fans as their host and teacher in understanding the nuances that the greatest players in golf consider and think about regarding course setup and hole locations—and the effect their selection will have on the eventual outcome of the 95th PGA Championship.’
Links
Campaign Website
http://picktheholechallenge.pga.com/
PGA Website
http://www.pga.com/pgachampionship/
Oak Hill Country Club
