The 2019 edition of the Hero Indian Open - golf’s flagship tournament in the country and the longest running international sports event in India - will see golfers from around the world vie for top honours.
Top Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma, 2015 Champion Anirban Lahiri, and reigning Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open champion Brandon Stone will be in action at the 55thedition of the Hero Indian Open.
Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston, runner-up at last year’s event, and four-time European Tour winner Bernd Wiesberger have confirmed their participation in the most lucrative golf tournament in India carrying a prize purse of US$1.75 million.
DLF Golf and Country Club plays host for another year on the Gary Player layout in Gurugram from March 28-31, with the 2019 edition the 14thconsecutive year that Hero MotoCorp Ltd, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer and one of the biggest corporate promoters of sports around the world, is supporting the tournament.
Last year, Johnston came within a whisker of winning the tournament, rallying from a two-shot deficit in the final round to get into a play-off, before losing to Englishman Matt Wallace. This year, Johnston will be aiming to lift the coveted winner’s trophy, besides treating himself to his favourite Indian dishes.
With less than two weeks to go before the tournament, entries are still coming in with Indian players such as SSP Chawrasia, the resurgent duo of Shiv Kapur and Rahil Gangjee, and youngsters Ajeetesh Sandhu, Viraj Madappa, Khalin Joshi and S Chikkarangappa are also expected to be seen in action.
J. Narain, Advisor (Sports), Hero MotoCorp, said, “It is truly heartening to see such a strong Indian contingent and a world class field at the Hero Indian Open 2019. This will certainly attract more youngsters and budding golfers to come and watch the tournament, which in turn will contribute immensely towards the long-term growth of the game. At Hero MotoCorp, we have been the Title Sponsor of the Hero Indian Open for close to a decade and half and we remain firmly committed to the promotion of golf in India and around the world.”
Lt. Gen. D. Anbu, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, President, The Indian Golf Union, said, “The Indian Golf Union is extremely pleased to announce the 2019 edition of the Indian Open. This is the flagship property of the Union and the most important event in showcasing IGU’s strategy in growing the game’s footprint in India.
“Hero MotoCorp has been a steadfast supporter of the Indian Open and we are proud of this partnership, as we are with the European Tour, which has sanctioned the event. The event’s rich history and its eminent, past winners will encourage its continued growth and we look forward to keen competition and a worthy winner.”
Ben Cowen, Deputy Chief Operating Officer - International, European Tour said, “We are extremely excited for the fifth edition of the Hero Indian Open as part of the European Tour International Schedule and we are looking forward to returning to the wonderful surroundings of DLF Golf and Country Club.
“Every golf tournament is indebted to its sponsors and that is particularly the case with Hero MotoCorp and their inspirational Chairman, MD and CEO Mr Pawan Munjal. Mr Munjal’s relationship with the European Tour, not just at this tournament, but through the innovative Hero Challenge and many other projects, is second to none, and we thank him for his vision and commitment to our sport. We must also acknowledge the owners of this historical event, the Indian Golf Union, for their hard work in continuing to grow golf in this great country.”
Aakash Ohri, Sr. Executive Director, DLF Home Developers Ltd, said, “The Gary Player course at the DLF Golf & Country Club has the unique distinction of being the venue for both the men’s and women’s Indian Opens, which have been so well supported by Hero MotoCorp.
“The course, which is in pristine condition thanks to our hard-working greenkeeping staff, has proved to be a challenge for the best pros over the last few years and has been appreciated by all. The Hero Indian Open, the country's marquee golf tournament will enter in its 55th edition this year and we look forward to another exciting edition of the Hero Indian Open later this month.”
Cho Minn Thant, Asian Tour Chief Operating Officer, said: “On behalf of the Tour and our players, I would like to extend our fullest appreciation to Hero MotoCorp and the Indian Golf Union for their support in growing this historic event over the years.
“Since its inauguration in 1964, the Hero Indian Open has a long history of boasting a stellar field and propelling the careers of the finest talents in the country including tournament winners S.S.P Chawrasia and Anirban Lahiri. India’s number one Shubhankar Sharma, came close to winning his national open with a record-breaking 64 in the second round last year, and the reigning Habitat for Humanity Standings winner is now excelling on the global stage.”
