Indian Open 2016 to return to Delhi Gold Course

Ending all speculations, the promoters of the Hero Indian Open on Friday announced that the tournament will return to the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) for the 2016 edition and will be played from March 17 to 20.

Earlier media reports said that the Indian Golf Union (IGU) was keen on hosting the tournament, which was first held in 1964, at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC). But it is learnt now that logistical problems forced the organisers to change their plan.

The Hero Indian Open will once again be tri-sanctioned by the IGU, the Asian Tour and European Tour, and will carry a prize fund of $1.5 million.

The DGC established in the 1930s, has played host to the Indian Open on 28 occasions since its inaugural staging in 1964.

In 2015, the tournament was won by India's latest golfing superstar Anirban Lahiri. The 28-year-old from Bengaluru became a champion, following a sudden death play-off at the DGC. That second win in three weeks saw Lahiri move into the world's top-50 and since then he has cemented his place among the world's golfing elite.

Finishing second at the 2013 and 2015 editions - there was no Indian Open in the calendar year 2014 because of a change in schedules -- was S.S.P Chawrasia, now the second best Indian golfer in terms of World Ranking.

European Tour chief operating officer Keith Waters said: "We are delighted to be returning to the Delhi Golf Club for the 2016 Hero Indian Open.

"The Delhi Golf Club is one of many venues which make The European Tour's international schedule so diverse and we look forward to being part of another illustrious chapter in its rich history."