March 17, 2005 – More than 500 people tried their hand at a novel form of golf in the heartland of exclusive shopping: Knightsbridge.

Harrods golf department hosted the launch of Umbrella Golf and after initial puzzlement; customers to the UK’s most prestigious store embraced the unusual event.

Umbrella Golf is a competition launched by the London Golf Show and, quite simply, involves putting a golf ball into a golf hole … with a crook-handled umbrella.

And the person who makes the most consecutive putts qualifies for a grand final at the show in April and the opportunity to win a five-day, five-star break for two at the St Andrews Bay resort, in Scotland.

The event was inspired by the London Golf Show’s logo of a golf ball and brolley – and it didn’t take long to capture the public’s imagination.

But it is not as simple as it sounds. The top score over the two days was just five. Not many, but it was enough to earn Ludwig Gebel, a German tourist from Laudshut, a place in the final at the London Golf Show.

His prize on the day was a pair of tickets for the show and a London Golf Show brolley.

The London Golf Show’s managing director, Ross Broadstock, was one of the show staff on hand at Harrods, encouraging people to participate.

He said: “Harrods is such a cosmopolitan experience – we lost count of the number of different nationalities who were keen to take part.

“It’s such a simple concept but great fun. We thought we’d give the bowler-hatted, umbrella-carrying businessman stereotype a golfing angle. And, gauging initial public reaction, it seems to have worked.”

Kirsty Vinten, general merchandise manager for sports at Harrods said: “We were delighted to host the launch of Umbrella Golf. Our golf department offers all the latest clothing and equipment, so it’s natural we’re involved with what is bound to become the latest craze in golf.”

Umbrella golf is being taken on a mini-tour of London, followed by several trips out of the capital.

Broadstock added: “The idea is to spread the word about the London Golf Show, obviously. But it’s also a great way to have fun and remove some of the perceptions that often surround golf.”

Umbrella Golf visits Thorpe Park on March 16 and 22 and Camden Council has incorporated the competition into two of its Easter holiday programmes for children.

The four-day London Golf Show takes place at Docklands’ ExCel Centre from April 21-24.

Media Contact:
Dave Bowers or Lee Todd
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