Panasonic Open India golf meet returns with prize fund boost

The Panasonic Open India will offer an increased prize fund of $400,000 when the fifth edition of the golf tournament, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), is played at the Delhi Golf Club from November 5 to 8, it was announced on Friday.

The tournament was launched in 2011 with a prize fund of $300,000 and has propelled the careers for many leading players, including home hero Anirban Lahiri, who won his first Asian Tour title at the inaugural edition.

Since then, Lahiri, the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, has claimed six other Asian Tour titles and also finished tied fifth in the year's final Major at the PGA Championship to make a return into the world's top-50 ranking.

Local star Digvijay Singh and Wade Ormsby of Australia secured their maiden Asian Tour titles in 2012 and 2013 respectively while India's S.S.P. Chawrasia claimed a dramatic win when he defeated countryman Rahil Gangjee and Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka on the first play-off hole last year.

Sarthak Seth, Head, Brand & Marketing Communications, Panasonic India, said in an Asian Tour release: "The Panasonic Open India has enjoyed huge success over the last four years and we feel this tournament is growing up year by year. Now prize found increases $100,000 to bring the total prize fund to $400,000 on offer to the players in November."

"Through our title sponsorship of the event, we have enjoyed the opportunity to engage with our consumers in India and also across Asia through the global live television broadcasts during the tournament. The Panasonic Open India will also continue to play a role in growing the game of golf in Asia by providing the platform for players to shine."