Indian Open golf in Bangalore

The third week of October will be a busy time at the sprawling Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) course here. After 48 editions of India’s premier golf tournament being held in New Delhi (NCR) and Kolkata, the Hero Indian Open 2012 will be held here from October 18-21. The trophy was launched here on Tuesday.

The prize money of US $1.25 million and a good field including Bangalorean Anirban Lahiri (who made the cut in the British Open and also got a hole in one), Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shiv Kapur, 2009 winner C Muniyappa et al., will indeed make this a very special event for the Garden City. However, participation of Arjun Atwal and Jeev Milkha Singh is not confirmed as yet.

Two European Tour players — Swede Peter Hanson and Scot Richie Ramsay — will add a touch of class to the event that will also see England’s James Morrison, another European Tour winner, along with many of Asia’s leading lights. A total of 156 players — including amateurs — will be seen in action.

“The top 35 out of 40 in the Asian Tour have confirmed their entries for the Indian Open,” Lt Gen AKS Chandele, vice-president of the Indian Golf Union, said here on Tuesday.

Mike Kerr, CEO, Asian Tour, said: “It is a new chapter this year for the Indian Open. I hope there will be a fantastic weekend of golf. I think the region will get tremendous benefit.” On the facilities at KGA, Kerr said: “We have conducted a course survey and the tournament director was also here. The facilities are second to none and I am sure the players will enjoy it. A new venue will always be a challenge and we will set it up to the best possible standards.”

The par-72 KGA course will be converted into a par-71 course for the Indian Open. “The par is reduced at many professional events. It’s just a matter of setting up the course to ensure the best possible tourney,” Kerr said.

Muniyappa, keen to do well on home turf, said: “This is the first time it is being held in the South. It is a good opportunity.” KGA president Sumit Rathor said: “I am confident that the players will have a great game.”