Mr J Narain, Advisor-Sports, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, Mr Brijinder Singh, President, Indian Golf Union, Mr SK Sharma, Chairman – HIO Committee, Mr Tusch Daroga, VP-Operations, DLF Golf & CC with the Hero Indian Open trophy
The Hero Indian Open, the country’s premier golf tournament, is not only set to resume after a three-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but will offer a record purse of US$ 2 million, up from US$1.75 million in past years. The event, which will be held from February 23-26 at DLF Golf & CC in Gurgaon, was last played in March 2019.
This year’s tournament is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour ( European Tour), giving more spots for players from Europe to participate. It will feature 120 players from over 20 countries, including players ranked in the top-100 in the world, such as Victor Perez (58th), Pablo Larrazabal (82nd) & Robert MacIntyre (87th). Stephen Gallacher of Scotland, who won the event the last time it was played, will also return to defend his title.
In addition, 2018 Ryder Cup-winning captain Thomas Bjørn, and his fellow Ryder Cup teammate Thorbjørn Olesen, are in the field. Olesen has won six times on the DP World Tour, most recently at the 2022 British Masters. Europe’s rising star, Nicolai Højgaard, will be making his first visit to India as well.
Nicolai Højgaard, the two-time winner on the DP World Tour is looking forward to his maiden visit to India
Dr Pawan Munjal, Chairman & CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said, “We are delighted to see the Hero Indian Open return to action. Hero MotoCorp has been associated with this marquee tournament for close to two decades and we have seen the tournament grow in stature during this duration. The tournament has made a significant contribution to growing the sport and providing a platform for Indian golfers to showcase their talent. We are also happy to see our association with the DP World Tour grow across the globe in addition to bringing innovation and new opportunities to the game. We wish all the players the very best and look forward to a week of exciting, world-class golfing action.”
The winner will receive a handsome sum of US$ 340,000, with the runner-up picking up US$ 220,000 and the third-place finisher pocketing US$ 126,000.
The tournament also offers 2750 ranking points in the Race to Dubai and 2,000 Ryder Cup points. This year, the top-10 players from the DP World Tour rankings who are not otherwise exempt will also earn their PGA Tour playing rights, creating an added incentive for players to compete as much as possible. All of which serves to increase the significance and attractiveness of the Indian Open.
Most attention will be on the top Indians as the event is all about giving them an opportunity to earn playing rights in Europe and earn valuable world ranking points. Unfortunately due to his joining the LIV Tour, and the current issues between LIV Golf and the European Tour, India’s highest world ranked player, Anirban Lahiri will not be in the field.
Watching some of the world’s best golfers take on the infamous Gary Player course at DLF will be a treat for Indian golf lovers.
Credits:-
Photo – HIO