Golf Set For IPL Treatment
Four golf Major winners are set to feature alongside of host of other professional players as the sport launches a new competition modelled on the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket tournament.
The Golf Premier League (GPL) will see eight franchises featuring 32 players compete for a prize fund of US$400,000 at the Aamby Valley course in Pune. Five franchises have already confirmed their involvement in the League, which was created by Indian golfer Shiv Kapur, including The Delhi Darts, Gujarat Underdawgs, Shubhkamna Eagles, Tamil Nadu Pulis and the Colombo Sixers who are owned by Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lankan cricket player.
The GPL will feature two day-night rounds of strokeplay, followed by the third and final round of best-ball format. The rounds will be played over 14 holes instead of the regular 18. Kapur said of the format: ‘We decided a three-hour round would be ideal from the TV viewership point of view.’
Kapur added: ‘I have been a big fan of the IPL and so I decided to try something similar in golf. The format has been influenced from different club competitions like the NFL, NBA and IPL. It is a unique concept and will be an annual affair. We are starting with a three-year contract. IPL made cricket sexy and cool and we are trying something similar in golf. With a 30-second time slot to hit a ball, it will make golf faster. It is also unique as it will have day-night rounds of strokeplay, which is a first in professional golf in Asia.’
