HERO INDIAN OPEN FINDS A NEW HOME IN BENGALURU

chandigarhsportsnews.blogspot.in

Bengaluru, September 18, 2012: Swede Peter Hanson and Richie Ramsay of Scotland, two of the hottest players on the European Tour over the last month, headline a star-studded field for the 49^th edition of the Hero Indian Open golf which ventures into Southern India for the first time in its nearly half a century history.

The oldest-running sports event in India, and one of the flagship events on the Asian Tour, the US$1.25 million Hero India Open, will also feature England’s James Morrison, another European Tour winner along with many of Asia’s leading lights.

The elite field will also include the in-form Indian stars - Bengaluru’s very own Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shiv Kapur among others. Lahiri, a winner on the Asian Tour this season, also made the cut and registered a hole-in-one at the British Open, while Bhullar, a three-time winner on Asian Tour, was second at the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters in Malaysia two weeks’ ago and won in Taipei this week.

Mr. Pawan Munjal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd said, “Hero MotoCorp has supported golf for more than 15 years now. We have seen the game grow from humble beginnings to being a major sport in India. I have always believed that we have to take big-ticket golf to other cities for the game to attract more followers in the country. And I am indeed happy that this year’s edition is being played in Bengaluru. I know that golf is very popular in the Garden City and I am sure the Hero Indian Open will go a long way in drawing more youngsters to the game.”

“This year’s field already looks very exciting with some of the top names confirming their participation, and I am sure more marquee players will be sending in their consent in the coming weeks. I do look forward to be in Bengaluru in October to savor some top-class golfing action.”

The Hero Indian Open comes into Southern India for the first time, with the event scheduled to be held here from October 18 to 21, 2012. The event, which was held for the first time in 1964, has previously been held only in National Capital Region (Delhi Golf Club, Classic Golf resort and the DLF Golf and Country Club) and the Royal Calcutta Golf Club.

Hanson, 34, and Ramsay, 29, won in successive weeks earlier this month. While Hanson sank a monstrous 35-foot eagle to win the KLM Open in a spectacular manner in the Netherlands, Ramsay won the European Masters in Switzerland. A member of the 2010 Ryder Cup team, Hanson - ranked No. 8 in Europe and No. 23 in the world - is also likely to be a crucial player for the 2012 Ryder Cup to be held in the United States in October, just three weeks before the Hero Indian Open.

Ramsay - ranked 17^th in Europe and 60^th in the world - is also on a hot streak. He won the European Masters and then finished second to Hanson at the KLM Open.

More Indian and international names will be announced in the coming weeks.

With Bengaluru and the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) Golf Course having produced numerous Indian golfing stars in recent times, including former Indian Open winner, C Muniyappa (2009) and Lahiri, it is only fitting that the event travels to the Garden City. Muniyappa, who grew up and learnt his golf in Bengaluru, is on a comeback trail and is expected to make a strong showing.

Lt. General AKS Chandele (Retd.), Vice-President, Indian Golf Union said, “The Hero Indian Open is Indian golf’s signature tournament. Its history and popularity is indicative of the pride of place it enjoys in Indian golfing annals. With the growing popularity of golf in Bengaluru, it was just the right time for the tournament to come here. The Indian Golf Union is grateful to Hero MotoCorp for their continued support in sponsoring the tournament,” he further added. “We have seen a lot of big names coming for the Indian Open each year and I am sure the likes of Peter Hanson, Richie Ramsay and James Morison will add to that glitter.”

Mr. Yannick Colaco, COO, Nimbus Sport said, “Our investments in golf has been a well-thought out step towards our long term commitment to develop the commercial value of the sport in India and across Asia. In our second year of association with the Hero Indian Open, we have been able to give a new location to one of the most prestigious golf events in Asia and ensure a strong playing field. We would also like to thank Hero MotoCorp for their continued patronage to the tournament and the sport.”

Announcing the launch of the tournament Mr. Sumit Rathor, President, KGA said “We are thrilled to host the Hero Indian Open and would like to thank the IGU for giving us this opportunity. The KGA has had a rich history of playing host to some of India’s premiere golf tournaments and the Hero Indian Open will definitely be the jewel in our crown. The KGA is one of the finest courses in the country and I am confident that the pros will have great experience here.”

Mr. Mike Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Tour, said, “We at the Asian Tour believe the prospect for the growth of professional golf in India is healthy and the quality of golfers produced by India have proven to be some of the very best in Asia. This is very much due to the strong support of great sponsors such as Hero MotoCorp and  I am sure the upcoming edition of the Indian Open will set a new benchmark and take Indian golf to the next level.”

As usual, the Hero Indian Open has attracted a lot of high-profile sponsors, with out whom this tournament would never be possible at this level. The sponsors include, Hero, Incredible India, Rolex, Matthan Hotel, Ballantine’s and TaylorMade and many others are contributing to the success of the tournament and Indian golf.