Skydivers stole the show in GPL's launch

Innovation, excitement and, of course, a dash of golf characterised the launch of the inaugural Pearls Golf Premier League here today, as skydivers displayed their pyrotechnics to leave the audience in thrall. The internationally renowned divers were in the element from the word go as each of them, wearing winged suites and representing the eight franchises competing in the tournament, descended on the Aamby Valley City golf course from a height of more than 5000 feet. Ahead of the first day/night golf event in the world, the players seemed excited, and so were the organisers and spectators. "Something like this is happening for the first time in golf, not just in India but even across the world, nothing of this sort has happened in the sport," said Rahil Gangjee, representing the Nippon Kenwood Delhi Darts. Besides Gangjee, the team also features Sweden's Johan Edfors, Australian Scott Barr and young Ajeetesh Sandhu from India. The USD 400,000 tournament comprises of eight franchise teams with four players each. All teams consist of one international professional golfer, one Indian international professional golfer, one Asian Tour professional golfer and one professional golfer from the Professional Golf Tour of India. The four days' play will include two day and night rounds of 14-hole stroke-play. MORE