Are You Ready for Some Competition?

The last pairing of the NGL match had the Los Angles Stars – Corby Segal, A PGA Tour caddy and Greg Osbourne, A PGA pro (who stars on the television show Las Vegas) strolling up the ninth fairway, grinding against the San Diego Spikes twosome. Even though Osbourne’s tee shot was longer, they elected to go with Segal’s drive because it was in the short grass on the last hole of the scramble format. The Spikes hit first, about 130 out, the ball hit long and spun back to within a foot from the hole.

With the birdie secure, the leading OC Wedge began to celebrate. With a 28- 26 lead over the second place Stars, the owners, players and fans knew the birdie could not be beaten on the coveted 3-point ninth and final hole. “Not so fast”, thought Segal.

Described as a “falling star from the sky” Segal's 120 yard wedge never bounced, but you could hear the thud from the back of the cup, a slam dunk, an eagle 2, three points for the Los Angeles Stars and a 29-28 win over the shell-shocked OC Wedge.

THAT’S THE NGL GAME.

And that’s exactly what happened in one of the 2006 events in the Southern California Division of the National Golf League. Now with 18 teams, the league is on a roll and silencing its skeptics with over 200 players participating and a new division in the Southwest.

NGL FORMAT

Its “Go for it” golf – a competitive, offensive oriented, fan friendly atmosphere that pits six professional teams against each other. The teams represent regions throughout the division. The NGL is a 27-hole tournament on a Saturday afternoon. The formats are scheduled on the same nine-hole track, alternating formats - best ball, alternate shot and the scramble. Three pairs of playing partners compete simultaneously on each of the nine holes at all times throughout the three rounds. The objective of each team is to win as many holes as possible as each hole scores a point. In the alternate shot, the ninth becomes two points and in the scramble, the hole becomes three points adding to the drama at the end of the day.

Playing partners that win a hole, ring a large brass bell behind the green signaling a point has been earned. Scorers follow the groups and call into the Official Scorer the points obtained by each team. Large Scoreboards around the course change throughout the day. The website picks up the points and fans can watch the drama unfold by clicking on LIVE SCORING on their website www.ngl.tv Traditionalists are raising their eyebrows with the new budding league, and the players are excited and cheer,

“Bring it on”. Fans love the NGL game. They particularly like the freedom to roam the course without ropes, cheer, talk with the players and embrace the lack of stuffiness often associated with professional golf. They also witness golf shots unlike they would see on the traditional tours. With stroke play pressure eliminated, these players hit it long (some over 400 yards) and always “go for it”. These national long drive competitors put on a show in the scramble often hitting par fours with their drives.

Some professional players have remarked, “The NGL is the most fun I have ever had playing professional golf, ever,” and “it has rekindled my passion for the game”, and “It’s the best thing to ever happen to golf.” The skill level of these players is increasing as well.

Teams are stacked with Canadian Tour, Nationwide Tour, Champions Tour players and other PGA tour bound players.

ALONG WITH THE INTENSE COMPETITION, THE NGL CREATES A SHOW.

Players and Fans have remarked how a television audience would love this drama and excitement. NGL Founder Bob Abe agrees and although the NGL has been aired on Comcast Sports Net and Cox, it has been pursuing national network partnerships with ESPN, The Golf Channel and Versus – all on the east coast. “I envision a realtybased compelling golf show, explains Aube, “where the viewer can witness the bantering back and forth, coaches strategizing and the enthusiasm of team golf. Nothing is more exciting in golf than the Ryder Cup and we want to mirror that exuberance.”

The NGL has been compared by the media to the success and model of Arena Football.

The NGL management believes their new ninth hole concept will allow an “Arena Golf” atmosphere boasting with sponsors, patrons, and beer fests. The festive atmosphere on the last hole also has upbeat music down the fairway and around the green with an MC announcing the players and igniting the crowd.

The NGL has three divisions with six teams in each division. Northern California features the San Francisco Spin, Sacramento Eagles, Silicon Valley Drivers, Davis Zone, Sonoma Marin Breakers and the East Bay Power.

In the Southern California Division, the creative golf team names include the 2006 Champions Channel Islands Sharks, OC Wedge, Los Angeles Stars, San Diego Spikes, Inland Empire Styx and the Palm Springs Extreme Heat.

In the Southwest Division competing teams include the Las Vegas Chips, West Valley Blades, Tempe Albatross, Phoenix Fireballs, Scottsdale Screech and the So. Arizona Knights of the Royal Dunes. The future expansion plans can be viewed on their new website and include divisions in Florida, Texas and the Mid- Atlantic States.

The NGL now has a new website www.ngl.tv with real time scoring, standings, video clips and a fantasy golf game on the horizon. “Our business plan is simple,” added Aube, “we want to have some fun with golf, a new twist and create appeal. We are cost effective and our business goals are to achieve longevity. Other professional tours rely on player contributions and do not have longevity. With over 35 sophisticated and contributing investors, we believe we can grow this concept country-wide.”