Tony Lewis during the unveiling of the Royals trophy in the city on Wednesday

Calcutta: It will be a union of passionate golfers from ‘Royal’ clubs across the world as they gear up to take part in the inaugural Vodafone Royals Trophy, which tees off at the prestigious Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) on Thursday. The first edition will feature 40 teams from across the world.

The glittering Royals trophy was unveiled at a news conference on Wednesday in the presence of Ashit Luthra, Indian Golf Union president, M.M. Singh, RCGC’s chief executive officer, Sridhar Rao, CEO of Vodafone (Eastern Region) and Brandon de Souza, the tournament director.

“It is indeed a great privilege that the RCGC, which is the oldest gold club in India, will be hosting the first edition of a tournament of such stature.

“Golf is no longer a sport for the old as it has an appeal in all age-groups.

“This tournament will definitely add to the growing popularity of the game in the country,” said Luthra.

Rao, on his part, said: “Vodafone has been associated with various sporting activities. It is an honour for the company to be associated with such a spectacular event.”

Former England captain and MCC president Tony Lewis said: “I never thought that this kind of a tournament will be held. I hope that I have a great time in the next few days.”

The Royals Trophy won’t be a prize-money tournament and no cut will be applied.

The golfers will represent their clubs and also there will be an inter-continental team competition.

Apart from hosts RCGC, the other ‘Royal’ clubs who will take part, include Royal Musselburgh from Scotland. Royal Musselburgh holds the distinction of being one of the first golf clubs to be bestowed with the Royal Charter.

The others notable clubs are Royal Wimbledon from England, Royal Montreal from Canada, Royal Portrush and Royal Belfast from Northern Ireland, Royal Porthcawl from Wales, Royal Colombo from Sri Lanka, Royal Adelaide from Australia, Royal Durban from South Africa and Royal Wellington from New Zealand.