Star golfer and former champion Anirban Lahiri is about to return on the Hero Indian Open, the nation’s National Open which could have an enhanced prize cash of $2.25 million this 12 months.
Part of the Asian Swing, the Indian Open could have 144 gamers, together with 33 Indians, competing for the highest prize from March 28 to 31 on the DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurugram.
The winner will obtain a good-looking $382,500 with the runner-up choosing up $247,500 and the third-place finisher pocketing $140,850.
“I am really looking forward to play at the Indian Open this year. It has been five years since I had the opportunity to compete in my national open. Winning the title in 2015 remains one of my most cherished memories,” mentioned Lahiri, a former Asian and European tour champion, by way of a video message throughout a press convention right here on Friday.
Lahiri, who had clinched the title in 2015, final performed within the 2019 editions earlier than the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which meant the occasion may solely return in 2023 after three years.
The 36-year-old, who now competes on the LIV Golf Tour, skipped the final version however he has taken approval from the European Tour to take part within the nation’s flagship golf match this 12 months.
The 57th version of the Indian Open would be the second of 5 occasions comprising the Asian Swing as a part of the new-look 2024 Race to Dubai.
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Apart from Lahiri, Shiv Kapur, three-time DP World Tour winner Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium and the brand new thrilling expertise Kazumi Kobori of New Zealand shall be a part of the elite subject, the entry of which remains to be open.
Manu Gandas, who’s at the moment ranked second within the PGTI Order of Merit, and Aman Raj may even be a part of the Indian subject.
“My best result was last year, I have played thrice in this tournament. My last day was not that great, so I would like to put up an improved show this year,” mentioned Gandas, who had performed within the 2023 DP Tour.
Indian Golf Union (IGU) President Brijinder Singh mentioned they’ve taken efforts to make it a memorable expertise for the spectators this time.
“The Hero Indian Open has been the summit on the Indian golf calendar as Indian Golf Union strives to promote and run one of the most expansive amateur schedules, which has allowed top amateurs to grow into world-class professional golfers,” he mentioned.
“We had more time to organise this event this time. So we are scaling up the facilities for the spectators. We will make the whole experience more enjoyable for spectators.” This is the tenth 12 months of the match’s affiliation with the DP World Tour (previously European Tour), one of many greatest world {golfing} excursions.