In-form Gaurika seeks back-to-back Hero WPG wins in Bengaluru

Gaurika Bishnoi will look to win back-to-back titles and cement her position at the top of the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour's money ranking when she begins her campaign in the 8th leg of the event at the Prestige Golfshire course here Wednesday.

The 32-player field is the largest ever in the history of the domestic Hero WPG Tour, surpassing the field of 29 at Clover greens last week.

There are 27 professionals, one more than the 26 last week in the seventh leg and there are also five amateurs.

The total prize will be the same as in the seventh leg at Rs.10 lakhs, only the second time, after last week, to have such a purse.

"It is a testimony to the growing popularity of women's golf in India," said Kavita Singh, President of the WGAI.

"There are more enquiries as more and more amateurs are taking the plunge and joining the pro ranks. It is a big boost and we feel we could reach a target of 45-50 in a year or so. Each week we are giving a lot of amateurs a taste of pro golf by giving them spots and we will continue to do so."