Warne, Pietersen, Luke for Hero Challenge golf shoot out at British Masters

The European Tour unveiled yet another innovation to popularize golf around the world with the introduction of a Hero Challenge ‘One-hole Shoot out’. 

The event, which is to be title sponsored by Hero MotoCorp and called Hero Challenge, will feature eight professional players including former World No. 1 and the tournament host, Luke Donald. 

The evening will also feature a one-hole shootout for celebrities that include Warne, Pietersen and TV personality Piers Morgan. The fast-paced Hero Challenge will take place at The Grove on October 11. 

Featuring eight players, in seven quick-fire head-to-head straight knockout matches, the last man standing will be crowned champion, with the entire contest lasting for less than an hour. 

For the professionals, the winners from the four opening round matches will progress through to the semi-finals, with the subsequent two winners contesting a final head-to-head match to decide the Hero Challenge champion. 

If the two opponents halve the hole, the outcome of that contest will be decided by the tee shot which was nearest to the pin. Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Managing Director &  Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said:  “The Hero Challenge promises to be an exciting new concept and we are delighted to be helping to bring this to fans at The Grove as well as the millions of viewers watching on TV.

 We’ve had plenty of drama in the first two editions of the Hero Indian Open, and this one-hole format will guarantee some great action and crowd interaction.”

Donald said: “This is another great way of getting new fans to engage with our sport and to showcase golf as a form of entertainment, which is something we are really trying to emphasise with this year’s British Masters. I think the players will enjoy the fast-paced format of the Hero Challenge, but more importantly, I think the fans will really get into it as it will be something new and different.”

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “It is vital that golf introduces shorter formats to appeal to new audiences and this one-hole straight knockout contest will provide fast-paced entertainment, whilst showcasing the considerable skill of our players.

 “Last year’s British Masters introduced some terrific innovations, ranging from live master-classes to on-course interviews, and the Hero Challenge will be another exciting new concept for our fans.”