Some of the top professional golfers in the state are gearing up for the second season of the National Golf League, which features 12 teams with a format similar to the Ryder Cup scoring system.

The East Bay Power, one of six Northern California division teams, boasts local players like Brentwood Golf Club professional Dane Judson and Vince Howell of the Vineyards Practice Tee in Oakley.

The northern and southern California teams will compete in a 12-week schedule, which begins Aug. 5 at Ridgemark Country Club in Hollister. At the end of the season, the top teams from each division meet up in Palm Springs for the NGL Championship Finals.

The tour will make its local debut at Brentwood Golf Club on Oct. 7 and Judson is excited about playing for the home crowd.

"I think the fans, especially those who play this course, will see a lot of shots they don't often see and a different level of shots," Judson said. "It's going to be fun. I'm really looking forward to hearing the fans cheer for our team."

While some players see the NGL as a stepping-stone to reach the next level of the game, others, like Judson, see it as a means of "staying sharp."

"The thing that attracted me the most was the level of competition," Judson said. "There are a lot of really good players in this league. It's really offensive where you try to make as many birdies as you can. Plus the format looked really fun."

In the NGL, pros and top amateurs compete as teams in 27-hole events. Each nine is given a different format, such as best ball, alternate shot and scramble, which is fun for players and fans alike.

Unlike at other tournaments, where spectators are kept behind the ropes and told to be quiet, the NGL galleries will be encouraged to cheer during the matches, but must be silent when the player addresses the ball.

NGL founder and CEO Bob Aube believes the idea of team play will "enhance the game of golf with new strategies and innovative coaching techniques."

"It will establish new rivalries that mirror other sports," Aube explained. "Like other professional leagues, the NGL will cater to its customer - the golf fan and create a new accessible stage."

The ultimate vision for the NGL is to have 10 divisions, five in the west and five in the east, encompassing 60 teams. The future plans will then set the stage for an East vs. West Championship and an eventual National Championship team, emulating other sports.

For more information about the National Golf League, visit www.nationalgolfleague.com.