Historic Golf League Auction Sees Teen Prodigy and Veteran Star Make Waves
In a landmark event for Indian golf, the PGTI-sanctioned '72 The League' held its inaugural players' auction in New Delhi on Monday, setting the stage for a multi-city, franchise-based competition that promises to revolutionize the sport. The auction produced dramatic moments, with Gurugram's Kartik Singh, aged just 16 years and one month, becoming the youngest player ever bought, while veteran Mukesh Kumar, at 60, was the oldest pick, showcasing a remarkable blend of youth and experience.
Record-Breaking Bids and Key Acquisitions
The spotlight shone brightly on Honey Baisoya, who emerged as the costliest Indian acquisition at a staggering Rs 20.5 lakh, far exceeding his base price of Rs 10 lakh. This followed an intense three-way bidding war that highlighted his current form, including a recent victory at the DP World Players Championship at Qutab Golf Course. Close on his heels was young prodigy Shubham Jaglan, whose base price of Rs 3 lakh skyrocketed to Rs 19 lakh as he was snapped up by the Hyderabad-based Charminar Champions, representing over six times his starting value.
Kartik Singh's journey to this auction has been nothing short of spectacular. Turning professional at the age of 15 years, eight months, and five days with the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) on September 10, 2025, he quickly earned his full card for the Asian Development Tour 2026 within just three months. At the auction, he was bracketed in the silver category with a base price of Rs 3 lakh, but interest from Capital Lancers and Charminar Champions drove his price up to Rs 14.40 lakh, nearly five times his base, as he joined the Mumbai Aces.
Kartik expressed his excitement, stating, "Being the youngest player selected makes me feel special. My family supported my decision to go pro at 15, and now, with my recent successes on the PGTI Tour and ADT, we feel relieved our choice was right. The league's team event in match play format adds excitement, and I can't wait for the action to begin."International Flavor and Franchise Dynamics
The auction also featured a strong international presence, with USA's Jhared Hack leading the foreign players at Rs 15.80 lakh, thanks to aggressive bidding from Capital Lancers. In total, 12 foreign professionals from seven countries were selected, adding global diversity to the league. The event involved six city-based franchises, each with a purse of Rs 1 crore, aiming to build squads of 10 professionals. The franchises include Delhi's Capital Lancers, Hyderabad-based Charminar Champions, Kolkata Classics, Mumbai Aces, Rajasthan Regals, and UP Prometheans.
Mukesh Kumar, the seasoned golfer, found a new home with Kolkata Classics for Rs 7 lakh, underscoring the value placed on experience. Meanwhile, Mukesh Sharma, founder chairperson and CEO of Noida's Prometheus School and owner of UP Prometheans, shared his vision for the sport. "Not everyone can afford golf, but I aim to take it to the grassroots to identify and nurture young talent. With a franchise in the shooting league and now this partnership with PGTI and Game of Life Sports, I'm committed to building a stronger sporting ecosystem in India, with an eye on Olympic medals," he emphasized.
League Details and Future Prospects
The '72 The League', helmed and promoted by Game of Life Sports (GOLS), is set to tee off on February 21, 2026, with matches scheduled at prestigious venues including the Classic Golf & Country Club, Jaypee Greens, and Qutab Golf Course. This innovative league not only aims to elevate professional golf in India but also to inspire a new generation of players through its franchise model and team-based competition.
As the auction concluded, it marked a significant step forward for Indian golf, blending emerging talents like Kartik Singh and Shubham Jaglan with established names like Honey Baisoya and Mukesh Kumar. With substantial investments and a clear vision from stakeholders like Mukesh Sharma, the league is poised to create a vibrant platform that could reshape the sport's landscape in the country, fostering growth and competitiveness at all levels.
