Tempting Entrée

INDUSTRY IDENTITIES AND A FORMER SIX NATIONS STAR AMONG THE BIG NAMES ROLLED OUT FOR THE EAGL’S SUMMER DRESS-REHEARSAL

- KENT GRAY

Amateur golf’s answer to cricket’s Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to be launched with a sprinkling of rugby star dust. Welsh Six Nations legend Mike Phillips has been named as one of the playing captains for this month’s Emirates Amateur Golf League (EAGL) Mini-Series on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Phillips will lead the ‘European Seves’ in the June 20 event which is designed to showcase the ambitious new franchise-based amateur league slated for a November launch.

The one-day event will give the eight four-man teams a taste of the ‘tour pro experience’ the EAGL is promising later in the year. The event will be capped with a gala dinner and prize presentation, as well as a special UAE Golf Industry forum. This against the backdrop of the final round of the U.S. Open although the participants may be more interested in a reply of the two-hour live broadcast of the Mini-Series being promised for social media channels.

The brainchild of Dubai-based businessman Sudesh Aggarwal, the EAGL will offer businesses and individuals the opportunity to own a team franchise in a business model similar to that of the IPL.

“Our vision is to give a new dimension to amateur golf in the UAE and create a tour that is at a different level to those in other countries,” said Aggarwal.

The EAGL will raise the bar and set distinctive high standards for amateur golf in a pro-style setting.