Hero Indian Open 2023 winner Marcel Siem (Germany) with Dr Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO, Hero MotoCorp
In October, the DP World Tour (formerly recognized as the European Tour) unveiled its 2024 season schedule, reserving a notable spot labelled “Asian swing” yet to be specified. This slot was subsequently confirmed to host the Hero Indian Open, scheduled to take place from March 28-31 at DLF Golf & CC in Gurgaon.
After a hiatus of three years from 2020 to 2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions, the tournament returned to DLF GC in 2023, where German player Marcel Siem secured victory.
The tournament will mark its 57th edition in 2024 with a prize money of US$ 2mn, although speculations for an enhancement still remain.
India’s national open is positioned as the second event among the four events constituting the Asian Swing in the revamped 2024 Race to Dubai. Under this new format, each of the five Global Swings will be distinguished by its unique identity, and the respective Champion of each swing is entitled to a share of the $1 million Bonus Pool, with each winner receiving $200,000. Additionally, these Swing Champions will earn qualification for the exclusive ‘Back 9’ events.
Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles, has also supported the European Tour’s Hero Challenge, a series of fast-paced showpiece events and short form social and digital content, which have taken golf to new audiences, as well as the inaugural Hero Cup and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which will be the first Rolex Series event of 2024.
The Asian Swing will begin with the Singapore Classic from March 21-24, before heading to India, Korea for the Korea Championship, the ISPS HANDA – CHAMPIONSHIP in Japan, and finally China for the return of the Volvo China Open. The five ‘Global Swings’ are followed by the ‘Back 9’ events, and the season is rounded out by the ‘DP World Tour Play-Offs’.
This is expected to bring a stronger field of players to India – a boost for Indian golf fans.
Photo – DPWT