Gurgaon, Jan 29: Anirban Lahiri leads a contingent of 15 Indians, including a 15-year-old amateur, Kartik Singh, as India gets ready to host the first International Series India presented by DLF.
The field of 108 made up of players from 25 countries has two-time US Open winner, Bryson DeChambeau, who is the reigning US Open champion, as the big draw for the week. The 31-year-old American was ecstatic about visiting India for the first time.
At a packed press conference ahead of the tournament, DeChambeau said: “First off I want to say thank you to all of India for welcoming me so warmly.
“I think the first time I started talking about it [going to India] was last year and what the possibilities are here in India with the kids.
A host of players, who have tasted success at the challenging DLF Golf Country Club are present. They include SSP Chawrasia, who has won twice here on DP World Tour events – the 20111 Avantha Masters (on the old course) and the 2017 Hero Indian Open.
Also in the field is South African Jbe Kruger, who won the 2012 Avantha Masters at this venue.
Also playing this week in US$ 2 million event are Ajeetesh Sandhu (2012) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (2009) won the DLF Masters, a domestic event which was held at this venue.
Apart from Chawrasia and Lahiri, the other Indians who are multiple winners on the DP World Tour here this week include Jeev Milkha Singh and Shubhankar Sharma.
Bhullar, who has one DP World title has 11 Asian Tour titles and other Indians who have won on Asian Tour include Ajeetesh Sandhu, Shiv Kapur, Rahil Gangjee and Rashid Khan. The other Indians hoping to grab a big title this week are Karandeep Kochhar, Honey Baisoya, Yuvraj Sandhu, Abhinav Lohan and Manu Gandas. The lone Indian amateur is Kartik Singh, a two-time participant at the Asia Pacific Amateurs, Junior Presidents Cup and the Bonallack Trophy.
DeChambeau also said, “The ability for golf – as really a young sport but changing from an older sport into a young sport, is to showcase what golf can mean for the future generations of India. That has always inspired me. My mission in the game of golf is to first off, inspire, entertain, and a subtle part of it is educate as well.”
Lahiri who was a principal player behind convincing the International Series, which has an Indian, Rahul Singh, as the head to come to India. Lahiri was proud to be involved in such a high-profile event at the iconic course in his home country. He said: “The first time I played here was in 1999, in Category C at the Northern India Juniors. It brings back a lot of memories.
“In fact, today my dad is here, and we were reminiscing about those days when this was considered way out of town. Now, it’s very much in town. A lot has changed, but the fond memories remain.
“When I look back, I realise how much I have learned and how much water has flowed under the bridge. I continue to grow as a player and as a person. I’m grateful for everything that has come my way. It’s amazing to be here, playing in front of my friends and family, and bringing excitement to Indian golf. It’s fantastic to be part of it.
“I’m trying to stay focused because I’m here as a competitor first. But I love the responsibility… Hats off to DLF – they have gone the extra mile to elevate everything. I hope we reach the 8,000–10,000 spectators per day mark because that will be a landmark achievement for golf in India.”
