It's always heartening to be able to pass along good news in dire economic times. And, yes, despite my view that we have fallen off a cliff and are only halfway to the bottom, I do report positive golf stories when I find them!

And one such story is the ongoing success and growth of PowerPlay Golf. I recently spoke with Andy Hiseman, who is driving the marketing efforts globally for PowerPlay Golf.

He and technical director, Andy Wool are working at breakneck speed to roll out the unique 9-hole format around the world.

It's a daunting task and Rome wasn't built in a day but Messrs. Hiseman and Wool along with PowerPlay Golf's brainchild, Peter McEvoy and several others are busy raising the necessary funding to make the dream happen.

The miracle is that they are able to attract any kind of investment in such dreadful times. Make no mistake; there is plenty of venture capital available and looking for worthwhile projects. It's on the sidelines, and VC companies are taking care before committing a red cent.

PowerPlay Golf is exciting many of these investors. The purpose of seeking investors is to create some very high profile made-for-TV events featuring the PowerPlay Golf format.

Andy Hiseman says the made-for-TV events are a critical component in creating the profile and developing the brand among grassroots golfers like you and me.

The next step is to leverage that initial marketing surge in the various countries - rapidly closing in on 20 nations - and encourage golf clubs to become PowerPlay Golf venues.

I'll keep you up to date in this space as things develop further.