At eight Staysure Tour events on the 2018 International Schedule, the first two days incorporated amateur golfers paired-up with legends of the game for two days of competition while the professionals simultaneously played their opening two rounds.
Known as the Alliance format, 2018 proved yet again to be a success as big names from other arenas stepped onto the golf course.
National Hockey League star, and Minnesota Wild right-winger, Nino Niederreiter competed in the Alliance tournament at the Swiss Seniors Open earlier this year, on a team with Argentinian Rafael Gomez and alongside legendary French golfer Jean van de Velde.
Niederreiter, the fifth overall selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, has shone as a member of the Minnesota Wild — a team that has made the play-offs every year since he joined them in the 2012-2013 season.
After his two days of Alliance competition, the 25 year old raved about the experience.
“It’s so much fun to play in this,” he said. “Especially watching the way these pro’s play, how they approach the flag, and how much spin they play each shot with, it’s incredible to watch and just be there competing alongside them.”
The format gives participants a chance to interact with the professionals in a unique way, and the relationships that get built, can extend for years.
At the Farmfoods European Senior Masters, Duncan Sinclair teamed up with Ryder Cup player – and one of the most beloved personalities on the Staysure Tour — Jarmo Sandelin to take a share of third place the Pro-Am format.
Sinclair is no stranger to competing alongside the golfing greats, and also participated in the Alliance tournament at the Willow Senior Golf Classic earlier this year.
Sinclair has been instrumental in bringing the Willow Foundation and the Staysure Tour together and this year marked the third successive season of their partnership with the event being contested at the famed Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club.
Ryan Howsam, Chairman of Staysure, loved the experience of battling a tournament-calibre golf course alongside a world-class professional.
“It’s pretty relaxed out there,” he said. “They’re really focused, but they’re also really friendly. The way the players get the amateurs involved is fantastic, everybody was just getting on really well.”
To make an inquiry or book a spot in an Alliance format event in 2019, please contactinfo.staysuretour@europeantour.comfor details.
