With the strongest field for a Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) event this year, the Rs. 95 lakh DLF Masters, beginning at the DLF Golf and Country Club here from Wednesday, holds the promise of some thrilling action in the week.
Other than the lucrative prize money, the DLF Masters assumes importance for the competitive platform it offers, just days before the Indian Open (October 13-16).
In the presence of prominent players like S.S.P. Chowrasia, Gaganjit Bhullar, Anirban Lahiri, Himmat Singh Rai, Jyoti Randhawa and several others, defending champion Ashok Kumar has to be at his best to retain his crown.
“The field is good. So, the tournament will be good,” said Ashok, who was out of action for four months due to surgery, on Tuesday.
Ashok was confident about his form even after the layoff. “I played in the PGTI Players' championship at the Willingdon Club (in Mumbai) and did well (for a tied-third finish). I hope to do well on my home course here.”
All eyes on Rai
Eyes will be fixed upon latest sensation Himmat Singh Rai, who recently won his maiden Asian Tour title at the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic. “I stuck to my game plan and executed it well. The win was satisfying,” said Rai, who had taken a week off to prepare for the DLF Masters.
The hardworking golfer said the Asian Tour win had boosted his confidence a lot.
Bhullar will be another strong contender. After playing for two months in the European Tour and returning with some decent results, a top-10 finish at the Czech Open and a good start at the Austrian Open, the Kapurthala lad said his game had improved due to the exposure.
The course at DLF is back in shape after the rainy season. “It is good. It is nice that back home we are getting the same kind of courses as we get in Asian Tour events,” said Bhullar.
The greens, however, surprised rookie Abhinav Lohan (a member of the 2010 Asian Games silver medal winning team). “The greens are quick. I did not expect them to be so quick,” said Lohan about his home course.
The event stands out because of its unique format. Besides the main contest, the professionals will team up with the amateurs to compete for the team championship.
