New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) In an exhilarating start to the inaugural PGTI's 72 The League, top golfer Honey Baisoya claimed the title of the highest acquisition at ₹20.5 lakh, while the 16-year-old Kartik Singh became the youngest player to be bought. The auction took place in New Delhi, showcasing elite Indian golfers vying for spots on various teams.

Jhared Hack from the USA emerged as the priciest foreign acquisition, fetching ₹15.80 lakh. The auction featured six city-based franchises, each with a budget of ₹1 crore, competing to assemble a squad of ten professionals.

The franchises included the Delhi-based Capital Lancers, Charminar Champions from Hyderabad, Kolkata Classics, Mumbai Aces, Rajasthan Regals, and UP Prometheans.

In-form Honey Baisoya, riding high after his recent victory at the DP World Players Championship at the Qutub Golf Course, was the highlight of the auction. The 29-year-old was placed in the Platinum category with a base price of ₹10 lakh, ultimately being secured by the Capital Lancers after an intense bidding war against the Rajasthan Regals and Kolkata Classics.

Another notable acquisition was Arjun Prasad, who recorded two top-10 finishes this month, going to UP Prometheans for ₹18 lakh.

The biggest surprise was young talent Shubham Jaglan, who ignited fierce competition among all franchises. Initially listed in the Silver category for a base price of ₹3 lakh, he was finally chosen by the Charminar Champions for ₹19 lakh, more than six times his starting price. The Charminar team successfully outbid the Capital Lancers and Mumbai Aces.

Young Kartik Singh was another standout, being purchased for an impressive ₹14.40 lakh by the Mumbai Aces after a prolonged bidding clash with both the Capital Lancers and Charminar Champions. At just 16, he was listed in the Silver category at a base price of ₹3 lakh.

In addition to these up-and-coming stars, the auction also spotlighted experience, with veteran golfer Mukesh Kumar at age 60 being acquired by the Kolkata Classics for ₹7 lakh.

Among international participants, Jhared Hack led the charge with his ₹15.80 lakh bid, thanks to competitive offers from the Capital Lancers.

Reflecting on the auction, Honey Baisoya expressed his excitement, stating, "I called my parents immediately after the auction, and they were thrilled. I've experienced a winning streak lately, and I feel incredibly grateful for the support and the opportunities ahead."

Shubham Jaglan, now part of the Hyderabad franchise, shared his enthusiasm, saying, "It's an honor to represent the Charminar Champions in this inaugural season. I'm particularly excited to have Manu (Gandas) on our team, and I can't wait to kick off the season."

A total of 12 international golfers from seven different countries were selected during the auction. Jhared Hack remarked, "I'm thrilled to be drafted by the Capital Lancers. Having Honey Baisoya on my team adds to the excitement. I look forward to competing in this unique format after a few weeks of tournaments here."

The inaugural edition of 72 The League, a collaboration between PGTI and Game of Life Sports (GOLS), is set to commence on February 21 at three prestigious golf venues in Delhi-NCR: Classic Golf & Country Club, Jaypee Greens, and Qutab Golf Course.