PGTI's 72 The League Auction: Honey Baisoya, Shubham Jaglan, Kartik Singh Headline Big Buys; Top Golfers For Each Franchise

The inaugural auction of 72 The League, organised by the Professional Golf Tour of India, witnessed aggressive bidding, breakout moments and strong international participation as six franchises assembled their 10-player squads in New Delhi on February 16.

With each team armed with a purse of Rs 1 crore, the auction saw India's top professionals and emerging stars go under the hammer in what turned out to be a statement-making beginning for the franchise-based golf competition.

Honey Baisoya Tops the Charts at Rs 20.5 Lakh

Fresh from his DP World Players Championship triumph at Qutab Golf Course, Honey Baisoya emerged as the most expensive Indian player at the auction. Placed in the Platinum category with a base price of Rs 10 lakh, the 29-year-old triggered a three-way bidding war between Capital Lancers, Rajasthan Regals and Kolkata Classics.

Delhi-based Capital Lancers eventually secured his services for Rs 20.5 lakh, making him the headline buy of the evening.

Baisoya expressed his delight after the hammer fell. "I'm very excited. I called my parents and told them I had a really good auction and they were very excited. Good things have been happening for the last three weeks and I'm really grateful. I've been working hard and I'm having a good time now."

Shubham Jaglan: The Biggest Gainer of the Auction

If Baisoya was the headline act, Shubham Jaglan was undoubtedly the biggest gainer. Placed in the Silver category with a base price of Rs 3 lakh, the 21-year-old sparked an intense bidding battle among all six franchises.

Hyderabad-based Charminar Champions eventually warded off strong challenges from Capital Lancers and Mumbai Aces to sign Jaglan for a staggering Rs 19 lakh - over six times his base price.

"I'm extremely excited and honoured to be representing the Charminar Champions in the first season of 72 The League. I know Manu Gandas will be on our team, which I'm extremely excited about, and get the season underway," Jaglan said. His price tag reflected the faith franchises have in India's young talent pool.

Kartik Singh Commands Rs 14.40 Lakh at 16

Another young star who attracted significant attention was 16-year-old Kartik Singh. Bracketed in the Silver category at Rs 3 lakh base price, Kartik was snapped up by Mumbai Aces for Rs 14.40 lakh following a prolonged bidding contest with Capital Lancers and Charminar Champions.

His acquisition reinforced the league's vision of blending youth with experience in a competitive match-play format.

Arjun Prasad and Mukesh Kumar Add Balance

Arjun Prasad, who recently registered two top-10 finishes - eighth at the DP World Players Championship and tied ninth at the SECL Chhattisgarh Open - was signed by UP Prometheans for Rs 18 lakh.

Meanwhile, experience also found value at the auction table. Veteran Mukesh Kumar, 60, was drafted by Kolkata Classics for Rs 7 lakh, proving that longevity and pedigree continue to command respect in Indian golf.

Jhared Hack Leads Strong Foreign Presence

A total of 12 foreign professionals from seven countries were picked up during the auction, underlining the international flavour of the league.

Leading that list was USA's Jhared Hack, who became the most expensive overseas buy at Rs 15.80 lakh after aggressive bidding from Capital Lancers.

"I'm really excited that I just got drafted by the Capital Lancers. I heard Honey Baisoya is also on my team, which will be exciting. I've gotten to play with him a few times this year, so maybe we can pair up for some match play stuff. I'm excited because this will be a fun, different format," Hack said. His signing strengthens Capital Lancers' squad, combining domestic form and overseas experience.

Six Franchises, One Big Statement

The six city-based teams - Capital Lancers (Delhi), Charminar Champions (Hyderabad), Kolkata Classics, Mumbai Aces, Rajasthan Regals and UP Prometheans - built balanced squads within the Rs 1 crore purse limit.

The league, jointly launched by PGTI and Game of Life Sports, will begin on February 21 and be played across three prominent Delhi-NCR venues.

Top Players for Each Franchise

Capital Lancers (Delhi): Honey Baisoya headlines the squad as the costliest Indian buy, joined by USA's Jhared Hack, the top foreign signing. The combination of domestic form and international experience makes them one of the strongest contenders on paper.

Charminar Champions (Hyderabad): Shubham Jaglan is the standout acquisition, while the presence of established names like Manu Gandas strengthens Hyderabad's core.

Mumbai Aces: Mumbai secured teenage sensation Kartik Singh for Rs 14.40 lakh, banking on his fearless style and long-term potential.

UP Prometheans: Arjun Prasad, who recently registered two top-10 finishes, was signed for Rs 18 lakh, making him the franchise's key player.

Kolkata Classics: Veteran Mukesh Kumar, 60, adds experience and pedigree to the Kolkata outfit, bringing decades of winning expertise.

Rajasthan Regals: Though they missed out on Baisoya after an aggressive bid, Rajasthan assembled a balanced squad with depth across categories.

League Set for Grand Debut in Delhi-NCR

The first edition of 72 The League will be staged across three premier venues in Delhi-NCR. Matches will be staged at Classic Golf & Country Club, Jaypee Greens and Qutab Golf Course, offering a high-profile platform for India's first professional franchise golf league.

With record bids, breakout stars and 12 foreign players adding global edge, 72 The League auction has laid down an emphatic marker for Indian golf's newest chapter.