(New Dehli, India - September 19, 2007) - - Leading lights of women's golf in India and Europe firmly believe the EMAAR-MGF Ladies Masters will mark "an epochal moment" for Indian ladies golf when the event gets underway at the picturesque Eagleton Resort at Bangalore from December 5 to 8.

The inaugural tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour, the Women’s Golf Association of India and the Indian Golf Union and is being promoted and organised by 'golf in DUBAI,' will see a strong field of 114 contesting for a share in the euro 200,000 prize fund.

Of the 114 players, 12 spots have been reserved for Indian professionals, a move which has left the home-grown players rubbing their hands in anticipation.

"The tournament, the richest golf event ever to be played on Indian soil, will feature a galaxy of superstars and it could well mark the beginning of a golfing revolution in India at a time when India is emerging as one of the world’s favoured destinations for investment, business and tourism," commented, William Rattazzi, CEO of EMAAR-MGF at the formal launch of the event in New Delhi.

"Emaar is globally renowned for its prowess in building and supporting exclusive, sophisticated and world class golfing properties and events," he said.

"Emaar-MGF carries forward this commitment underscored through its plans to bring in golf courses of international repute to Hyderabad and Punjab.

"This aligns with our vision to help promote the game in the subcontinent ultimately providing an unparalleled golfing ambience to the Indian golfer. Our association with the Ladies Masters is a reaffirmation of our commitment and passion for the game,” said the senior official of the EMAAR-MGF, which is also title sponsor of the €2million Indian Masters.

"The Ladies European Tour is delighted to be visiting India for the first time in its history," said Alexandra Armas, the LET's Executive Director who flew in especially from Sweden to New Delhi to attend the formal launch of the event.

"This new tournament consolidates the LET’s growth internationally and provides further evidence of the attention that our sport is attracting worldwide," she said.

"The tournament has already received an early boost with the likes of Solheim Cup stars Trish Johnson and Becky Brewerton confirming their participation and more big names will follow as the event nears," she said.

"The tournament will be a great opportunity for the Indian professionals to showcase their skills on the bigger stage and I am quite sure the event will produce an exciting contest. It will also be a great advertisement for India as a whole."

Champika Syal, secretary-general of the Women’s Golf Association of India, agreed. "It's an historic day for women's golf in India and we are ready to host an event of this scale," she said.

"The EMAAR-MGF Ladies Masters will usher in a new era in building stronger bonds between golfing fraternities across the different continents of the world," commented Champika Sayal, the association's secretary-general.

Golf in DUBAI was equally excited to be part of the ground-breaking event in India. "The growth of the Indian economy has coincided with the emergence of golf as a major sport in the country," said Mohamed Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAI.

"And this EMAAR-MGF Ladies Masters offers a huge potential to provide a major boost to ladies golf not only in India, but in Asia as a whole," he said, adding: "I am absolutely positive that the event will attract a first class field and provide a great opportunity for European Tour players to explore Incredible India.”

The management of Eagleton was delighted to be hosting the EMAAR-MGF Ladies Masters. Chetan Meda, Director, Eagleton stated: "The tournament is the biggest thing that has happened to Indian ladies golf and we will spare no effort in making the event a huge success.

"Ours is an exciting course which presents every golfer with the appropriate level of enjoyment and challenge. And, equally important, it creates a permanent ecological oasis, enhancing the image of the Garden City," he said.

"We are looking forward to welcoming the Ladies European Tour players and will try and ensure they have a memorable stay here in Bangalore," he added.

The EMAAR-MGF Ladies Masters will be followed by the Dubai Ladies Masters to be played at Emirates Golf Club's Majlis course from December 13 to 16.