Well, the Hero Indian Open is back this month and a lot of top International golfers are to make their presence felt.
This is al the first time the event will be held since the passing away of its
its inaugural winner, the legendary Peter Thomson, who also instrumental in making the Indian Open popular. Thomson, five-time British Open winner, also won the Indian Open three times in 1964, 1966 and 1976. Thomson, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988, passed away on June 20, 2018, at the age of 88.
Top Indian golfer and the current Asian Tour No.1 Shubhankar Sharma, the 2015 Champion Anirban Lahiri, and the reigning Scottish Open champion Brandon Stone will be seen in action in the 55th edition of the Hero Indian Open.
The other notable players, include Andrew Johnston – the Runner-Up of the Hero Indian Open 2018, and Bernd Wiesberger, with four European Tour, wins to his credit.
Other Indian players such as SSP Chawrasia, the resurgent duo of Shiv Kapur and Rahil Gangjee, and youngsters Ajeetesh Sandhu, Viraj Madappa, Khalin Joshi and S Chikkarangappa are also expected to be seen in action.
J. Narain, Advisor (Sports), Hero MotoCorp, said, “It is truly heartening to see such a strong Indian contingent and a world-class field at the Hero Indian Open 2019. This will certainly attract more youngsters and budding golfers to come and watch the tournament, which in turn will contribute immensely towards the long-term growth of the game. At Hero MotoCorp, we have been the Title Sponsor of the Hero Indian Open for close to a decade and half and we remain firmly committed to the promotion of golf in India and around the world.”
Lt. Gen. D. Anbu, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, President, The Indian Golf Union, said, “The Indian Golf Union is extremely pleased to announce the 2019 edition of the Indian Open. This is the flagship property of the Union and the most important event in showcasing IGU’s strategy in growing the game’s footprint in India. Hero MotoCorp has been a steadfast supporter of the Indian Open and we are proud of this partnership, as we are with the European Tour, which has sanctioned the event. The event’s rich history and its eminent, past winners will encourage its continued growth and we look forward to keen competition and a worthy winner.”
Ben Cowen, Deputy Chief Operating Officer – International, European Tour said, “We are extremely excited for the fifth edition of the Hero Indian Open as part of the European Tour International Schedule and we are looking forward to returning to the wonderful surroundings of DLF Golf and Country Club. Every golf tournament is indebted to its sponsors and that is particularly the case with Hero MotoCorp and their inspirational Chairman, MD and CEO Mr Pawan Munjal. Mr Munjal’s relationship with the European Tour, not just at this tournament, but through the innovative Hero Challenge and many other projects, is second to none, and we thank him for his vision and commitment to our sport. We must also acknowledge the owners of this historical event, the Indian Golf Union, for their hard work in continuing to grow golf in this great country.”
Aakash Ohri, Sr. Executive Director, DLF Home Developers Ltd, said, “The Gary Player course at the DLF Golf & Country Club has the unique distinction of being the venue for both the men’s and women’s Indian Opens, which have been so well supported by Hero MotoCorp. The course, which is in pristine condition thanks to our hard-working greenkeeping staff, has proved to be a challenge for the best pros over the last few years and has been appreciated by all. The Hero Indian Open, the country’s marquee golf tournament will enter in its 55th edition this year and we look forward to another exciting edition of the Hero Indian Open later this month.”
Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour Chief Operating Officer, said: “On behalf of the Tour and our players, I would like to extend our fullest appreciation to Hero MotoCorp and the Indian Golf Union for their support in growing this historic event over the years. Since its inauguration in 1964, the Hero Indian Open has a long history of boasting a stellar field and propelling the careers of the finest talents in the country including tournament winners S.S.P Chawrasia and Anirban Lahiri. India’s number one Shubhankar Sharma, came close to winning his National Open with a record-breaking 64 in the second round last year, and the reigning Habitat for Humanity Standings winner is now excelling on the global stage.”