Unique European Tour event causes social media debate between golf fans

The Cyprus Showdown is set to take place at Aphrodite Hills next month and will feature a first-of-its-kind format on the European Tour, which has sparked a debate on social media.

The tournament will take place from November 5-8 and will be the second of two consecutive events in Cyprus, with 105 players set to feature for the first two days.

The top 32 players and ties will then progress to Saturday's action and their scores will be reset. The field will then be cut to the top 16 players and ties who will take part in the Sunday Showdown and once again, their scores will be reset, leaving it all to play for on the final day, with the winner set to take home €200,000.

Ben Cowen, the European Tour’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer International, said: “The European Tour has been a pioneer of innovative new formats in recent years so we welcome ISM’s ambition in bringing a new format to the European Tour as we make our first visit to the island of Cyprus.

“Not only do these events help give valuable playing opportunities to our members, but we are able to showcase the nation of Cyprus and the excellent PGA National Cyprus Golf Course at Aphrodite Hills which will host us over the two weeks.

“This exciting format will undoubtedly add to that spotlight and we are confident it be wholly enjoyed by our global television audience, bringing an exciting and dramatic conclusion to our fortnight in Paphos.”

The news received mixed opinions from golf fans, who responded in the comments on Twitter, with some showing their support to the European Tour for trying something interesting and new and others who were firmly against the idea.

makes for a lot of pointless golf on fri/sat. and starting early on friday comes with a lot of risk given the deep cut. But I guess it will boost the weekend tv appeal

— adam wilson (@acdoubleyou) October 12, 2020

Leading the way with innovative formats!

— Austin Meehan (@austinmeehan15) October 12, 2020

I don’t think this is a good idea. Pros struggling to get paid and have enough pressure to make cuts as it is. Not everyone on tour is winning the big money available. Lots of players say moving day is great because you play without fear and that equals better golf. Bad move imo

— Ritchie (@JohnRitchie84) October 12, 2020

I imagine there would be a strong correlation between the naysayers and the anti hoodie lobby. It’s one week people, sometimes the 2nd best golfer in the field gets knocked out of match play.

— muzza22 (@gundogger) October 12, 2020

Don‘t like that format! Not the best will win but the luckiest with the best closing holes on Sunday...

— Martin Lorenz (@Haggi63) October 13, 2020

Great idea. Something different. Everyone in with a chance come sunday.

— Neil Tamblin (@NeiloT73) October 12, 2020

If its not broke ...don't fix it

All for progress but i think the way we do it at present is spot on

— leefer (@leefer3) October 12, 2020

Absolutely bonkers. So much fantastic innovation from @EuropeanTour but this is at the complete opposite end of the scale.

— Gary Wilde (@garyjohnwilde) October 12, 2020

Nonsense!! There’s innovation or being too smart for your own good. Golf is about momentum. Shoot 64, 64 on 1st 2 days then back to level, shoot 65 on sat then back to level. Someone who shot 70, 70, 70 shoots 64 on Sunday and wins? Bullsh#t!!

— Houses’cane (@PatrickGonagle) October 12, 2020

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