Rowdy Team Golf League Looking to Expand, Despite Lack of Interest

by Mulligan Stu on Dec 6, 2007 4:59 PM EST

Yep, just what the headline says: Nobody cares about the National Golf League, but its owners still want to expand. Its owners have spunk. Just like Mary Richards. And disinterested fans are the Lou Grants replying, "I hate spunk."

But you never know. Maybe the time is ripe for rowdy team golf. The time being one where loud and obnoxious - two things not normally associated with tournament golf - are viewed by many as positives, not negatives.

Loud and obnoxious are adjectives that apply to drunk golfers, however, and perhaps that's the niche the NGL is pursuing. After all, one of its players is quoted thusly:

"The biggest challenge is not getting too drunk."

The National Golf League has three divisions, six teams in each:

NoCal
Sonoma-Marin Breakers
East Bay Power
Silicon Valley Drivers
Sacramento Eagles
Valley Zone
San Francisco Spin

SoCal
OC Wedge
Inland Empire Styx
Channel Islands Sharks
Palm Springs X Heat
San Diego Spikes
Los Angeles Stars

AZ-LV
Phoenix Fireballs
Scottsdale Screech
East Valley Albatross
Las Vegas Chips
West Valley Blades
Royal Dunes Knights

I was unaware of the NGL's existence until stumbling across an article in The Arizona Republic headlined, "Despite low interest, National Golf League to return."

Bob Aube, an entrepreneur from Davis, Calif., founded the unconventional league, which features loud music and free-flowing beer for players and fans.

Despite drawing around 900 spectators per "game" in California, but only around 30 to Arizona "games," the NGL hopes to expand, with Texas viewed as good expansion territory.

But the league organizers say a television deal is a must if there's any hope of longterm success.

(Aube is) pitching the NGL to regional and national TV networks, soliciting sponsors to help defer costs for 2008.

"We all have hurdles with any kind of start up, but we're trying to get business partners that want to help fund some television shows and underwrite the cost of production," he said.

"If we keep this thing cost-effective, we can grow the league," Aube added. "Most of the players have said they've never had more fun playing in any (other) professional event."

Mitch McDowell, 23, a long-drive competitor from Phoenix who routinely blasts his drives 380 yards, is one of those players.

McDowell also competes on the Gateway Tour but likes the NGL because it's so different.

Plus, he can consume the beverages of his choice.

"It's everything good about partying and golf all at the same time," he said. "We get to play a Ryder Cup format, drink beer and listen to music on the course."

...

Next year Aube wants to partner with local breweries to create a bigger party scene in the Valley, a brewfest-type atmosphere that has attracted people to his California events.

"You can't just run a tournament without creating a party," he said.

I checked the team rosters on the NGL Web site, and there are two surprises:

1. I've actually heard a few of the players. Not many. But a few.
2. I didn't see any Big Breakers on the rosters.

Drunks playing golf, drunks watching golf. Not my scene, man. But if it's yours, have at it. The NGL needs you.

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Two words come to mind...

John Daly

by Bogie Man on Dec 7, 2007 11:19 AM EST reply actions

National Golf League (NGL)

As the Founder of the NGL, I am not a proponent of drunken golfers like this article mentioned. We are trying to add new drama and enthusiasm to the game and provide a new look with professional team play. We allow professionals and fans to be a bit more looser than the traditional golf tournaments. We want to replace the polite golf clap with cheering. Our format allows that with alternating formats with best ball, alternate shot and the scramble. We believe the The Ryder Cup is the most exciting golf show on the air. Our players are saying this is the most fun they have ever had playing professional golf. We play music and we have announcers just like you would experience in a NBA game. We are providing a home for over 300 professionals to compete (without entry fees like other mini tours that come and go). We hope to achieve an environment similar to other team sports that also emphasizes an offensive game, like Arena Football has accomplished. We are in startup mode but growing and have television interest in our league. Please check this site out and review the clips from the players and spectators, then decide what you think about the NGL. In fact, the PGA has been quoted that "the 16th hole at the FBR Open is the most fun in golf."

Whats wrong with offering a game a new look with teams?

www.ngl.blip.tv

website: www.ngl.tv

Regards,

Bob Aube
Founder, National Golf League
www.ngl.tv

by NGL 2008 on Dec 8, 2007 7:53 PM EST reply actions