Like a Pro

THE EMIRATES AMATEUR GOLF LEAGUE’S DRESS-REHEARSAL HAS GARNERED WIDE-SPREAD ACCLAIM

What will it be like teeing it up in the pioneering Emirates Amateur Golf League (EAGL) once the game’s answer to IPL cricket takes flight proper? ▶ Utterly compelling if the evidence from the EAGL’s ‘Mini-Series’ coming-out party is any indication. From inside the ropes and behind the TV cameras at Jumeirah Golf Estates last month to the global social media reaction afterwards, the feedback to the ambitious concept was unanimously positive.

Emirates Golf Club seven-handicapper and Golf Digest Middle East Top-10 courses judge Jayshree Gupta produced one of the most telling quotes after the 9-hole dress rehearsal on the Fire course.

“It does feel a bit like a Pro-Am except the pros are missing!” said Gupta who represented the Dubai Tigers.

That will be music to EAGL founder and CEO Sudesh Aggarwal’s ears. He set out to spice up the traditional corporate golf day by giving amateurs a pro-tour level experience with the added flavour – and associated pressure – of playing in a team environment aka the Ryder Cup.

“There are definitely people who [will] like this format, who like to feel the pressure of the cameras and having people follow them around. It does make you want to be a better golfer so I think from that perspective it’s very good for amateur golf,” said Gupta.

“It’s incredible organisation by Sudesh and his team… it’s been fun to have the cameras and caddies around.”

Deepak Jain, who helped the MENA Golfers to victory, was glowing in his assessment of the day and specifically the live online stream with commentary from Graham Clews.

“It was a fantastic experience. I had friends sitting in the Maldives, India and the USA watching it on social media, so it was a great day. We got the

feel of playing in a European Tour event with all the cameras and everything around.”

“The live telecast was always going to be a very crucial part for us and so, in the end, it was so good to hear the feedback from the players about it,” said EAGL Administrator Priyaa Kumria.

“Most of them talked about the pressure that comes with the cameras around them, and how it affected their games. The sheer joy on their faces as they showed us messages from their relatives and friends who were watching the action in such far-flung places as the United States, South Africa, Australia and Mauritius was something that we will cherish.”

Jain’s MENA Golfers’ team-mate Craig Vance, playing off a -4.5 handicap, can also only see long-term benefits.

“The experience was really great. We had music on the first tee which livened it up a bit and plenty of spectators. I think the event will bring on golf in the region and hopefully give the juniors a little bit more exposure to what it’s like in these bigger events as you move out of Dubai.”

It does make you want to be a better golfer... from that perspective it’s very good for amateur golf [in the region].

– jayshree gupta (dubai tigers)

Aggarwal was “absolutely delighted” with the day and understandably so given the planning and execution, including a State of the Nation-style forum headlined by industry heavyweights after play, was delivered in less than 45 days.

“As for our future plans, we are pleased to announce two more Mini-Series as part of Amateur Golf Tour by Just Golf before the end of 2021. Dates, venue and other details will be revealed soon.”

Everyone at JGE and onlookers from around the world can’t wait. – kent gray

Clockwise from above: Dubai Tigers’ Jayshree Gupta; the MENA Golfers team; EAGL CEO Sudesh Aggarwal; the post-play forum Opposite page: Ambassador Shiv Kapur hits the EAGL’s historic first shot