India to host new franchised golf league

CHENNAI, India (AFP) –

Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland points towards photographers before teeing off at the World Celebrity Pro-Am at the Mission Hills golf resort in Haikou, China on October 20, 2012. Clarke, Angel Cabrera, Michael Campbell and Rich Beem are among Major champions expected to take part in a new franchise-based golf tournament in India next month.

Four Major winners are expected to take part in a new franchise-based golf tournament in India next month.

Darren Clarke, Angel Cabrera, Michael Campbell and Rich Beem are among Major champions who have confirmed their participation in the event, according to Indian golfer Shiv Kapur, one of the event organisers.

The $400,000 tournament, christened the Golf Premier League, will be played over three days from February 8 at the Aamby Valley golf course near the western city of Pune, Kapur said.

Eight city-based franchises will hire four golfers each, both foreign and Indian, in an auction in late January to play three rounds over 14 holes, Kapur said.

Each team will comprise a Major winner, an Indian who plays on the professional circuit, an Asian tour star and a local player.

“Its a great way to have our young golfers learn from some of the world’s leading players. It will also help to popularise the sport in India,” Kapur told AFP.

Among the five franchises already finalised is one from Colombo that is promoted by Sri Lanka’s cricket captain Mahela Jayawardene.

The tournament, to be telecast live, will have a winner’s purse of $250,000.