·
Golden Jubilee edition to be played from
November 7-10
·
PGA Tour winner Michael Thompson and European
Tour winner Robert Rock confirm participation
·
Atwal, Randhawa and four other previous Indian
winners lead Indian challenge
New
Delhi, October 21: A
star-studded field will tee off at the Delhi Golf Club to mark the Golden
Jubilee of the historic Hero Indian Open on November 7. The event, which will
be preceded by a Pro-Am on November 6, will carry a purse of US $ 1.25 million.
Returning to the place of its birth in
1964, the Hero Indian Open will once again see a plethora of champions and
international stars line up for what will be a momentous occasion in Indian
golf.
Though there is still more than two weeks
for the tournament to happen, the list of early entries and confirmations indicate
a very strong line-up including the likes of PGA Tour winner, American Michael
Thompson, who achieved a breakthrough win at the Palm Beach event in Florida.
Then there is multiple European Tour winner, Robert Rock, whose resume includes
a stunning win over a field featuring Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy at the 2012
Abu Dhabi Classic.
As is only befitting the 50th
edition of the tournament will see a very strong Indian challenge, which blends
youth with experience. Former Indian Open winners like Arjun Atwal, also the
only Indian player to taste victory on the famed PGA Tour, returns to his
National Open, as does Jyoti Randhawa, one of the only two players to win the
Indian Open three times in their career – the other one is five-time British
Open champion Peter Thomson, who also played a big role in helping establish
the Indian Open in 1960s.
Four other Indian winners, C Muniyappa
(2009), Vijay Kumar (2002), Feroze Ali (1998) and Ali Sher (1991 and 1993) will
add to the charm of the historic staging.
Mr.
Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp
Ltd., said, “Hero has
been associated with golf since the time the game was at a nascent stage in the
country. It is, therefore, a matter of immense delight to see this event
celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year. Hero has been a partner in this
glorious journey of golf and like always, we remain committed to the promotion
of the game in India. I am looking forward to some memorable golf at this
landmark edition of Hero Indian Open.”
Only seven Indians have won the National
Open, of which the first PG Billoo Sethi (winner in 1965) passed away in 1982.
The remaining six will be seen in action at the DGC this year.
While the past champions savour and relive
their finest moments, the youth brigade led by four-time Asian Tour winner,
Gaganjeet Bhullar, three-time Asian Tour winner, Anirban Lahiri and other
winners like SSP Chowrasia, Shiv Kapur, Himmat Rai and Digvijay Singh will also
fancy their chances at the legendary and challenging layout at the Delhi Golf
Club.
Adding to their confidence will be the
fact that Chowrasia, Lahiri and Digvijay have tasted international success at
the DGC.
“The Asian Tour is proud to be associated
with the 50th edition of the Hero Indian Open. The Asian Tour is also
celebrating its 10th season in 2013 and on behalf of our talented players, I
would like to congratulate the Hero Indian Open on its milestone,” said Asian Tour CEO Mike Kerr.
He further added, “The Hero Indian Open
has been one of the longest running tournaments on our Schedule and the event
has attracted many top golfers in India as well as from across the world. I’m
confident the 2013 Hero Indian Open will be celebrated by the presence of the
Asian Tour’s stellar stars including defending champion Thaworn.”
Gen.
Bikram Singh, President, Indian Golf Union said, “It is a momentous occasion for the
Indian Open Golf Championship that started it's journey in the year 1964 at
this very venue, to be back again on the same course having traversed fifty
long years in the company of some of the most illustrious golfers of their
time. The pace was set by the likes of Peter Thomson who not only won the event
three times here but later went on to win the Open Championship five times. I
am sure that winning the Indian Open will remain an ambition with many golfers,
especially in India, it being one of the most prestigious events on the Asian
Tour. We are extremely grateful to all our stake holders who have ensured the
successful conduct of the tournament over the years and especially
to the present title sponsors, Hero Moto
Corp Ltd, for ensuring the grandeur of this year’s event against the historic setting
of the Delhi Golf Club.”
Basking in his glory amidst the
celebrations will be Ali Sher, who recalled, “I have great memories of that
day, when I won the Indian Open at this very club. That changed my life and
career. It’s is indeed a historic occasion to be playing in the 50th
edition of the Hero Indian Open.”
Mr.
Sunil Manocha, Chief Operating Officer of Nimbus Sport, added, “The Hero Indian Open is very close to
the hearts of every Indian golfer and fans of the sport. As promoters of this
historic event, we are extremely pleased with the line-up of star golfers from
India and around the world who have confirmed participation for the fiftieth
edition of the Hero Indian Open. I am confident of this edition of the
tournament being nothing less than a jubilant celebration of golf in India.”
In another piece of great news for golf
fans in the country, Ten Sports Network, will telecast live all the action
straight from the fairways of the Delhi Golf Club on all four days.
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