Strong field for Indian Open golf

A star-studded field will tee off Nov 7 at the Delhi Golf Club to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Hero Indian Open. The event will carry a purse of $1.25 million.

Returning to the place of its birth in 1964, the Indian Open will once again see a plethora of champions and international stars line up for what will be a momentous occasion in Indian golf.

Though there is still more than two weeks for the tournament to happen, the list of early entries and confirmations indicate a very strong line-up including the likes of PGA Tour winner, American Michael Thompson, who achieved a breakthrough win at the Palm Beach event in Florida. Then there is multiple European Tour winner, Robert Rock, whose resume includes a stunning win over a field featuring Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Classic.

As is only befitting the 50th edition of the tournament, it will see a very strong Indian challenge, which blends youth with experience. Former Indian Open winners like Arjun Atwal, also the only Indian player to taste victory on the famed PGA Tour, returns to his National Open, as does Jyoti Randhawa, one of the only two players to win the Indian Open three times in their career, the other one is five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson.

Four other Indian winners, C. Muniyappa (2009), Vijay Kumar (2002), Feroz Ali (1998) and Ali Sher (1991 and 1993) will add to the charm of the historic staging.

Only seven Indians have won the National Open, of which the first PG Billoo Sethi (winner in 1965) passed away in 1982. The remaining six will be seen in action at the DGC this year.

While the past champions savour and relive their finest moments, the youth brigade led by four-time Asian Tour winner, Gaganjeet Bhullar, three-time Asian Tour winner, Anirban Lahiri and other winners like S.S.P. Chowrasia, Shiv Kapur, Himmat Rai and Digvijay Singh will also fancy their chances at the legendary and challenging layout at the Delhi Golf Club.

Adding to their confidence will be the fact that Chowrasia, Lahiri and Digvijay have tasted international success at the DGC.

Basking in his glory amidst the celebrations will be Ali Sher, who recalled: "I have great memories of that day, when I won the Indian Open at this very club. That changed my life and career. It's is indeed a historic occasion to be playing in the 50th edition of the Hero Indian Open."