Thomas Cook partners with Digraj Golf

Thomas Cook has launched the Thomas Cook Indian Golf League at a gala ceremony in the capital city today. The unique initiative promoted by Digraj Golf hopes to catalyze the growth of golf in India. Seasoned Asian Tour professional, Gaurav Ghei led in providing support to this unique initiative, appreciating the avenues that will open up to both new and existing golfers through the creation of an accessible, affordable and competitive playing platform.

The inaugural Thomas Cook Indian Golf League has been scheduled for duration of 7 weeks and will contain 6 competitive event rounds of golf played at three different partner courses, with 5 leading scores from each day qualifying for the Grand finale, which will be the 7th and concluding event.

The Thomas Cook Indian Golf league is expected to create the pull and enable more people to start playing the sport, especially those who are deterred by the perceived and real cost of expensive memberships. An ongoing league will provide them the regular playing opportunity. Thomas Cook will offer attractive prizes to the Winners of the Grand Finale, from their niche customized luxury holiday division called "Indulgence".

All golfers in Delhi and nearby cities, both new and existing players, can compete in this unique golfing initiative, by Thomas Cook, with no restrictions, unlike as in corporate golf. The golf courses will get a chance to earn additional revenue through better utilization of their capacity, as the events are going to be played midweek when they are normally free allowing all stakeholders an opportunity to cater to a larger audience than any other form of golf.

Participation will be through a combination of invitations and "pay and play". While some players will get invited by the supporting sponsors to play free of cost, the main participation in the league will come from players who will "pay and play" a nominal amount of approx Rs 1000 which will take care of the green fee, caddy fee and also some basic refreshments. This affordable opportunity to play at various courses comes to the players through the corroborative support of the host clubs who have made the league possible. With Golden Greens Golf and Country Club, Jaypee Greens Golf Resort and Tarudhan Valley confirming the availability of their courses, the players will have an opportunity to play at three different yet beautiful courses.

The support of the various sponsors has made the competitive platform possible which will provide the incentive for existing players to play on weekdays and new players to compete. Titleist, Oakley, British Airways and HP will provide product support as prizes, while Clay Telecom and British Airways are sponsoring one day each. 4Moles.com is the online media partner and will provide prizes each day as well.

Speaking at the launch press conference Mr. Rakshit Desai, Executive Director- Travel Services, Thomas Cook said, "We feel very proud to sponsor the Thomas Cook Indian Golf League because we recognize the tremendous opportunity it presents to take the sport to a larger audience. Golf and Travel tend to suffer from a similar perceived inaccessibility which we are working hard to correct."

Mr. Digraj Singh of Digraj Golf also added that the, "Thomas Cook Indian Golf League would aim to promote talent and both leading juniors and amateur playing caddies from all the clubs would be invited to play free of cost."

While addressing the gathering Professional golfer Gaurav Ghei stated that if youngsters have the opportunity to access various courses with considerable ease, it will really help develop their skill sets and lead them to achieve a higher level of competitiveness going forward in their golfing careers.