Indian golf is set to take another giant leap by hosting its first ever European Tour sanctioned event next year when the inaugural $2.5 million Indian Masters tees off here from February 7-10.
NEW DELHI: Indian golf is set to take another giant leap by hosting its first ever European Tour sanctioned event next year when the inaugural $2.5 million Indian Masters tees off here from February 7-10.
With a prize money of $2.5 million, the event promoted and organised by 'Golf in Dubai,' who are the promoters and organisers of world-class events like the Dubai Desert Classic and the Dubai Ladies Masters, will be the richest ever held in the country.
Chief Executive of the European Tour George O'Grady said the Indian Masters would help enhance the tournament portfolio.
"The growth of the Indian economy has coincided with the emergence of golf as a major sport in the country. We are always keen to expand our tournament portfolio into new territories and we believe that the Indian Masters offers huge potential on that front," he said in a statement issued on Monday.
"Thanks to Indian pioneers such as Jeev Milkha Singh and Arjun Atwal both popular Champions on the European Tour international schedule along with Jyoti Randhawa and Shiv Kapur, professional golf in India has taken a massive step forward over the past decade," he added.
Hailing the new event, Indian Golf Union President JJ Singh said it was a historic moment for the sport in the country.
"It is an historic moment for Indian Golf with a European Tour event being held in India boasting of the richest prize money in the a result of the growing status of the game of golf in India, augmented by the Indian performances across the golfing globe. Indian golf is surely to get a boost when the best talent from over seven continents will be on display and also will showcase the infrastructural development needed to host an event of this stature," he added.
The tournament is likely to tee off in New Delhi. India currently hosts only an Asian Tour event, the Indian Open.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, Vice-Chairman and CEO of 'Golf in Dubai', said, "Golf is fast becoming a big-time sport and the game is growing, no question. And this European Tour event, I am sure, will have the appeal and the profile to further enliven the Indian golf scene."
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