That's 'Tops'

Tuesday September 18 is a big date in the diary of PGA Advanced Professional Andrew Agnoli, writes Tony Rushmer.

That is when Topgolf Watford – where Agnoli heads up its academy – will host the UK qualifier for the Topgolf Tour Championship.

Indeed the 31-year-old is the organiser of the target-golf event and he said: “It is a big part of my year.”

Last year the qualifier was won by PGA Professional Matt Cousens and partner Brad Barnes.

The pair went on to come agonisingly close to winning the first prize of $50,000 in the grand final in Las Vegas.

Agnoli is keen for more PGA Professionals to compete this season.

He said: “Being set in the evening it’s not even a day off for a PGA Professional.  It’s open to all PGA Professionals based in the UK.

“It’s a huge prize and opportunity – $50,000 and a VIP trip to Las Vegas is amazing.

“Last year Matt Cousens and his good friend Brad Barnes finished second in the final, losing on the last ball. Since then they have been flown back to Las Vegas and taken part in The Golf Channel show Shotmakers.”

Explaining the tournament format, he added: “Playing a variety of Topgolf signature games that test strategy and accuracy, two-person teams compete against one another for a spot at the Topgolf Tour Championships in Las Vegas,   

“All teams will play three games: TopGolf, TopPressure, and TopShot ‘advanced’. The top eight scoring teams will advance to Round 2.

“They will play two games of TopShot and the top two will advance to Round 3 for a one-game shootout of TopShot.

“The highest scoring team from the match-up wins and advances to the Tour Championship in Las Vegas.”

In an era where those at the heart of golf are seeking new initiatives to promote the sport the Topgolf Tour Championship ticks plenty of boxes.