Imagine my shock when I walked into the clubhouse today after my round to find duct tape on the floor in the pattern of a noughts and crosses board. About 10 feet away was one of the club pro’s and the club captain, both with their putters out. Now, this is quite a traditional club. The kind where fines for wearing hat’s and golf shoes in the clubhouse get you big fines.
It is not the kind of place I expected to see some form of putting competition happening. Intrigue got the better of me and I wandered over to see what was happening. It turns out it is all down to SkySports News’ Inci Mehmet and Henni Goya and a new putting game they were playing that was video’d and released on SkySports social media channels.
Here they are, playing the noughts and crosses putting game:
Where did noughts and crosses putting golf come from?
If you’re a fan of both golf and SkySports News, chances are you’ve already caught wind of the latest trend sweeping across golf clubs and practice areas up and down the country: noughts and crosses putting. What began as a light-hearted competition between two of SkySports News Golf Channel’s favourite presenters, Henni Goya and Inci Mehmet, has quickly transformed into a nationwide craze, with golfers everywhere embracing this simple yet addictive game.
It all started with a friendly challenge on set. Henni Goya, a former professional golfer turned broadcaster, and Inci Mehmet, another rising star in the world of golf presenting, decided to inject some fun into their coverage by inventing a game that would test their putting skills in a unique way. Noughts and crosses, a childhood classic, was reimagined on the putting green. The rules are straightforward: players take turns to putt into a three-by-three grid, aiming to get three of their markers (either noughts or crosses) in a row, just like the original pen-and-paper game. It was a simple idea, but one that proved to be surprisingly challenging and incredibly fun.
For those unfamiliar with Henni Goya, she’s a former LET (Ladies European Tour) professional who transitioned seamlessly into a broadcasting career after hanging up her tour shoes. Henni has been a breath of fresh air in the golf media, known for her insightful commentary and approachable style. Her love for the game is palpable, and it was clear that she was in her element during this playful contest with Inci. Inci Mehmet, on the other hand, is no stranger to the competitive side of golf either. With a background as a professional golfer herself, Inci has been steadily making a name for herself in the world of golf broadcasting. Her sharp analysis and engaging personality have quickly made her a fan favourite.
The match itself was a nail-biter, with both Henni and Inci demonstrating impressive putting skills. However, it was Inci who eventually came out on top, clinching the victory with a well-placed cross on the final putt. The entire contest was captured on camera and shared across SkySports News’ platforms, where it quickly went viral. The light-hearted nature of the competition, combined with the natural chemistry between the two presenters, resonated with viewers, and soon, golfers across the UK were trying their hand at noughts and crosses putting.
Noughts and Crosses Putting is Sweeping the UK Golf Club Scene
Since the video aired, the game has taken on a life of its own. Golfers of all ages and skill levels have embraced the challenge, setting up makeshift grids in clubhouses, on practice greens, and even in their back gardens. It’s a game that’s as easy to play as it is to enjoy, making it the perfect addition to any golf club’s social scene. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to sharpen your putting precision or a newcomer to the game looking for a bit of fun, noughts and crosses putting offers something for everyone.
In just a short time, Henni Goya and Inci Mehmet have managed to create a phenomenon that’s brought a fresh wave of excitement to the UK golf community. The simplicity of noughts and crosses putting, combined with its competitive edge, has made it an instant hit. So next time you’re at your local club, why not grab a friend, set up a grid, and see if you’ve got what it takes to be the next noughts and crosses putting champion? Thanks to SkySports News, the game is here to stay, and it’s only getting more popular by the day.
