Hard pressed finding time for a full round of golf?
How about a ''cheeky nine''?
On November 18, the Otago Golf Club will launch Cheeky9, a nationwide league aimed at getting people off work early and out on the course to play nine holes.
The Balmacewen course is the only one in Dunedin, and one of just three in the South Island, offering the programme.
Cheeky9, which launched last summer, also aims to draw younger generations into golf, while keeping their weekends free.
Otago Golf Club general manager John Molyneux decided to introduce the league to the club because it was social and a ''bit different''.
''Cheeky9 is about taking all the stigma, nervousness, prestigiousness and pompousness out of golf,'' he said.
''It will be a good night out. Better than going home and watching the TV, I would have thought.''
The league is based on the ambrose format, where players in a team all hit from the best shot, with a few added twists.
Players can choose one of two flags on each hole to aim for, and can earn further points for the longest drive and accurate putting.
All scores are entered directly into a smartphone app and results are collated nationally.
Competitors will play nine holes every Tuesday night for 10 weeks and there will be a weekly prize giving with food and drinks.
''For the first year, my expectations aren't massive,'' Molyneux said.
''I don't expect to fill the club up.
''But if we get a response, which we are getting, I'm happy with that.
''We want to get girls to come as well. Hopefully, we get more than just the young man who wants a beer and a pie afterwards.''
Interested players can sign up at the Cheeky9 website (www.cheeky9.com).
-by Robert Van Royen
