Campbell the top draw in golf auctions

Indian golf on Saturday witnessed the dawn of a new era as more than Rs 3.83 crore was spent in the auction for 24 players as the inaugural Pearl Golf Premier League was launched here.

As many as 24 players in three categories were auctioned at a glittering function at Sahara Star Hotel in the presence of Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Vinod Khanna.

Eight franchises bought three players each -- a fourth was added to each one of them on the basis of their spent in the auction -- to form their teams for the event to be held at the Aamby Valley Golf course from February 7 to 10.

The 2005 US Open champion New Zealand’s Michael Campbell was picked up by Shubhkamna Eagles for the highest figure of $61,000 (Rs 33.55 lakh), while Indians Shiv Kapur ($59,000) and Gaganjeet Bhullar ($58,000) were signed by Maharashtra 59ers and Witalsee Punjab Lancers respectively as the next in the pecking order.

Shubhkamna Eagles were the highest spenders at Rs 82.5 lakh with Maharashtra 59ers at Rs 74.25 lakh and Witalsee Punjab Lancers with Rs 59.40 lakh.

Teams line-up (Indians unless specified): Shubhkamna Eagles: Anirban Lahiri, Daniel Chopra (Swe), Michael Campbell (Nzl), Shamim Khan.

Delhi Darts: Rahil Ganjee, Scott Barr (Aus), Johan Edfors (Swe), Ajeetesh Sandhu.
Maharashtra 59’ers: Shiv Kapur, Scott Hend (Aus), Angel Cabrera (Arg), Ashok Kumar.

Witalsee Punjab Lancers: Gaganjeet Bhullar, Thaworn Wiratchant (Tha), Shaun Micheel (US), Rashid Khan.

Gujarat Underdawgs: Digvijay Singh, Jarmo Sandelin (Swe), David Howell (Eng), Gaurav Ghei.

Uttarakhand Lions: Shankar Das, Chapchai Nirat (Tha), Darren Clarke (N  Ire), Mukesh Kumar.

Colombo 6’s: Chiragh Kumar, Jason Knutzon (Aus), Simon Dyson (Eng), Mithun Perera (SL).

Tamil Nadu Pullees: Himmat Rai, Siddikur (Ban), Rich Beem (US), Harendra Gupta.