The National Golf League is coming to a city near you. In fact, the NGL recently sold franchises in Scottsdale and Phoenix for $75,000 each to an East Valley couple.
Now the question becomes, how deep is the talent pool for these six-player teams?
Or for that matter, what type of fans will want to watch a concept like “team golf”?
Bob Aube, the founder of the NGL, points to the first two seasons of his fledging golf circuit as proof that the interest is there.
“We started with six teams in northern California our first season (2005), and added six more teams in southern California this past season,’’ said Aube, a former travel industry official who at one time worked in various jobs for the LPGA.
“The NGL is very untraditional; a new twist on the game that has a different flavor. The players just love it, and we’ve been amazed how entertained the fans have been.’’
With players and fans roaming the fairways and greens together, the NGL certainly is different. And while the upside is based on future expansion and television rights, Aube claims the NGL “is all about putting on a good show.’’
That apparently was enough to interest Dwight and Susan Haldan, a Scottsdale couple who purchased the franchises in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
“I own the Scottsdale franchise, and Dwight will be the Phoenix owner,’’ said Susan Haldan. “The reason we bought two teams is because we believe in the product, and we want our son, Patrick, who played golf for Chaparral (High School), to be involved.
“From what we’ve seen (of the NGL), it’s extremely exciting, and we feel that down the road, it might really take off. . . . Plus, we thought we might be able to do some charity work through (the NGL).’’
Details like team names and colors have yet to be worked out, but Susan Haldan said the couple is thinking about the Kelly-green-clad Scottsdale Screech and possibly the Phoenix Flash (no colors mentioned).
“The Scottsdale Screech works for me, because ‘Screech’ is my nickname,’’ she said with a laugh, not wishing to elaborate. “The Phoenix Flash sounds good, but we’re thinking that it might evolve into the Phoenix ‘Flash-ers,’ so we might not go there.’’
Susan Haldan said part of the allure is that the NGL has been referred to “as the X-Games of Golf.’’
“I’m not sure if it’s that rowdy, but it’s close,’’ she said.
Aube also alluded to the NGL’s extreme-like vision.
“If you’ve seen the 16 th hole at the FBR Open, you know there’s a different kind of fan out there,’’ he said. “The reality of it all is that there’s too much pressure on the PGA Tour guy to have fun, whereas our guys are all about fun and flair.’’
As a case in point, Aube referred to the NGL’s website (www.nationalgolfleague.com), where a photo of golfers celebrating the last NGL Championship in Temecula, Calif., is posted. From the attire, one team looks pretty professional while the other team looks like skateboarders.
According to the website, the Channel Islands Sharks won the $20,000 Tour Championship, which was broadcast on Comcast Net. Then the Channel Islands team proceeded to a local Hooters where they celebrated in style with their traditional “Shark Dance.’’
Aube said that such a fun-loving professional sports league might best be compared to Arena Football, and in more ways than one.
“Nine years ago, Arena Football League franchises were selling for $400,000,’’ he explained. “Today, they’re going for $20 million. . . .
“This is a chance for a team owner to get in at the ground level. Originally, our franchises sold for $18,000, and last year they went to $30,000. And while the current price is $75,000, there really isn’t a great deal of expense beyond that, as player salaries, and costs for tournaments and travel are very minimal.’’
What you need to know about the National Golf League
Teams: Four six-team divisions, of which two are currently in place in northern and southern California, with two more on the way in Arizona-Nevada and Florida. In all, there will be 24 teams by the time the third season gets under way.
Format: Six teams play at a time, with players paired in threesomes. The first nine holes are best ball, the second nine holes are alternate shot, and the third nine holes are a scramble. Each hole is worth one point, with carryovers.
Season: There are 19 events spread out from September through November.
Information: visit www.nationalgolfleague.com. |
