India’s top golfers are eagerly anticipating the forthcoming Emaar-MGF Indian Masters, confident their local knowledge will give them the edge over their fellow competitors in the richest event to be played in the country.
A strong local contingent, led by India’s Number One golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, will join World Number Five Ernie Els, Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clark, Mark O’Meara and other heavyweights in a highly competitive field when the US $2 million event gets underway at the Delhi Golf Club from February 7-10.
“It’s an historic moment for Indian golf and a great opportunity for all of us to showcase our talent on the global stage,” said Harmeet Kahlon, a seasoned player on the Indian Tour.
Home talents such as Singh, Jyoti Randhawa, Arjun Atwal and Shiv Kapur have already put Indian golf on the map with their exploits on various tours, and this tournament could see further names added to the burgeoning roster.
The ‘Fab Four’ will be joined by Gaurav Ghei, Gaganjit Bhullar, Digvijay Singh, Ashok Kumar, SSP Chowrasia, Uttam Singh Mundi, Himmat Singh and Anir Lahairi, to name but a few, all of whom will lead the Indian challenge against the might of The European Tour’s leading players.
Kahlon, who has been playing at the Delhi Golf Club for the past 24 years, said: “The standard of Indian golf has risen to such an extent that if an Indian goes on to win this tournament, it won’t be a surprise but instead a reflection of the depth of the golfing talent in our country.
“When it comes to playing home courses, Indians are like tigers. They know how to leverage their local knowledge, and this could be our biggest advantage.
“The layout of the Delhi Golf Club is quite unique, in the sense that almost every fairway has thick bushes on both the sides where it is difficult to find the ball. Precision is required off the tee, and there is hardly any margin of error.
“I am sure the tournament will produce an interesting duel for honours, and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
Mohamed Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAI, the promoters and organisers of the Emaar-MGF Indian Masters, said: “I’m really impressed by the enthusiasm of the Indian players. They are looking charged up, which is a healthy sign. That will bring more intensity to the competition.
“If an Indian, or any Asian player for that matter, goes on to win the trophy, it will just be a sign of the times in an ever-changing world. I wish all players the very best, and hope they have an enjoyable tournament.”
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