A spectacular new era in golf is officially launching in Dubai. Announced on September 29, the Stars Golf League (SGL) is set to redefine competition by blending the world’s greatest golf legends, leading women professionals, and global celebrity sports icons in a high-stakes, team-format battle.

The inaugural four-day event is scheduled to light up The Els Club Dubai from March 25 to 28, 2026, with teams competing for a massive $1 million professional prize pool.

The Format: Legends Meet Global Icons

This isn’t your average golf tournament. The SGL is built around six elite franchises, including Augusta Marquess and St. Andrew Dukes, each featuring a roster of 36 players total:

24 Legendary Golfers: Featuring names like former World No.1 Ian Woosnam, 8-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie, and Open Champion Paul Lawrie. The field includes nine of the top ten players from the Legends Tour Order of Merit.

6 Leading Women Professionals: Highlighting talent like India’s LET winner Diksha Dagar and rising star Tvesa Malik.

6 Global Celebrity Golfers: The mix of celebrity power is perhaps the most exciting element, seeing icons from other sports trade their gear for golf clubs. The lineup includes cricket legends AB de Villiers (Mr. 360°) and Kapil Dev, alongside football royalty like Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs and Ballon d’Or winner Ruud Gullit.

A Homecoming for Ernie Els

The chosen venue, The Els Club Dubai, adds a personal touch to the competition. The desert ‘links-style’ course was designed by South African great Ernie Els, who is not just hosting but will also be teeing off as a player. Els has a long history in Dubai, having won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic three times.

“I’m very excited to announce that I’ll be playing in the Stars Golf League Tournament that’s going to put together legends, ladies golf stars, and celebrities from all over the world,” Els shared.

The Vision: Competition Meets Spectacle

The SGL is the brainchild of the same team behind the successful World Tennis League (WTL) and World Padel League (WPL). Co-founder Mahesh Bhupathi emphasised the league’s unique vision: “The Stars Golf League does exactly that, uniting legends, champions, and icons in a way golf has never seen before.”

The four-day schedule is a spectacle in itself:

• March 25: Launch Gala with red-carpet arrivals and a dramatic trophy unveiling.
• March 26: Pro-Am Showdown, where legends play alongside regional amateurs.
• March 27: Lifestyle & Learning events, including golf clinics and high tea.
• March 28: The main League Action ignites as teams fight for the grand prize.

Hemali Sharma, co-founder, summed it up perfectly: “Dubai has always been a home to innovation in sport, and with this new League, we aim to redefine how golf is experienced and enjoyed.”