A New Era in Golf: The Stars Golf League Launches in Dubai
Dubai is about to witness a groundbreaking moment in golf with the debut of the Stars Golf League (SGL), an innovative tournament that brilliantly merges top-tier professional golf with celebrity flair. This unique event promises to captivate golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike by showcasing male and female golfing legends, alongside renowned global celebrities, competing in a thrilling team-format contest.
The tournament is set against the scenic backdrop of The Els Club Dubai, a stunning desert ‘links-style’ course renowned for its challenging design by South African golfing icon Ernie Els. Els holds a special bond with Dubai, having won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic three times and setting the tournament’s 18-hole scoring record with an exceptional 61 in 1994. In a heartfelt video message, Els expressed his enthusiasm for the league, highlighting the passion and competitive spirit the event will bring to the course he personally crafted.
Officially unveiled at a vibrant press conference on September 29, 2025, the Stars Golf League gathered an elite assembly of co-founders, brand ambassadors, and media representatives eager to witness the birth of this historic competition. The league features six premier franchises—Augusta Marquess, St. Andrew Dukes, Pebble Beach Lords, Royal Troon Barons, Pinehurst Emperors, and Sun City Kings—each boasting a roster composed of 24 legendary golfers, six elite women professionals, and six international celebrity golfers.
Scheduled for March 25 to 28, 2026, the tournament spans four days, with each team counting the best five out of six scores per round. The stakes are high, with a total professional prize pool of US$1 million and additional awards for team owners—US$300,000 for first place, US$200,000 for second, and US$100,000 for third—underscoring the competitive prestige of the league.
The Stars Golf League is the visionary creation of a team well-versed in developing world-class sporting events, having successfully launched the World Tennis League and World Padel League. Co-founder and tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi highlighted the extraordinary gathering of talent on a single stage, emphasizing the electrifying atmosphere fans can expect. Similarly, co-founder Hemali Sharma emphasized the league’s role as a celebration of high-level sport, innovation, and inclusivity, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for pioneering sporting ventures.
Abbas Muni, co-founder and CEO, shared his ambition to craft a global sport experience blending fierce competition with camaraderie and stardom, aiming to expand golf’s appeal across the UAE, the Middle East, and worldwide. Tournament Director Brandon De Sousa, drawing from his diverse international experience, expressed confidence that the SGL will be both memorable and engaging, preserving the competitive spirit golfers and fans cherish.
The player lineup is a remarkable blend of golfing excellence and celebrity charm. Golfing greats include Paul Lawrie, celebrated for his 1999 Open Championship win at Carnoustie, Michael Campbell, the 2005 U.S. Open Champion, and Ian Woosnam, former World No.1 and 1991 Masters Champion. Other stars like Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Bjørn, Scott Hend, and Jeev Milkha Singh add depth and prestige to the competition.
Women professionals bringing flair and fierce competition include India’s Diksha Dagar, LET winner overcoming hearing impairment, Tvesa Malik, Florentyna Parker, and Alexandra Swayne, all recognized for their impressive performances on the Ladies European Tour. Adding to the excitement, renowned celebrities such as AB de Villiers, Kapil Dev, Yuvraj Singh, Ryan Giggs, Alan Shearer, and Ruud Gullit will also compete, enhancing the event’s star power and wide appeal.
The league proudly features top talents from the Legends Tour Order of Merit, including Scott Hend and other leading names, ensuring the competition’s quality and intensity remain unmatched.
The four days of the Stars Golf League will immerse attendees and viewers in a spectacular blend of sport, glamour, and education:
– March 25, 2026: The grand launch features red-carpet arrivals, a glittering gala, and the thrilling trophy unveiling.
– March 26: The Pro-Am Showdown invites regional amateurs and corporate figures to join golfing legends for a day of vibrant competition.
– March 27: Lifestyle and learning take center stage with exclusive golf clinics, social luncheons, and high tea amidst the picturesque desert-links setting.
– March 28: The climax unfolds as teams battle head-to-head for ultimate glory and the substantial US$1 million prize, with every shot carrying weight.
The Stars Golf League sets out to redefine golf’s appeal, blending tradition with fresh, star-studded excitement in a venue that perfectly complements its ambitious vision. This event is poised to become a highlight on the global sporting calendar, promising unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.
