Levy grabs Hero Challenge in electric atmosphere at the Grove

In the first of its kind event, the inaugural Hero Challenge got a huge thumbs up from an impressive crowd of over 2,200 in a stadium-like atmosphere under floodlights at the one-hole knockout contest at The Grove.
Frenchman Alex Levy, who won the third of his three European Tour titles only a fortnight ago, added the Hero Challenge one-hole knock-out to his list of conquests beating Swede Alex Noren, twice winner this year, in the final at the 156-yard specially constructed par-3 at the golf course.
In the bargain Levy claimed the 10,000 pounds first prize for charity from Mr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Managing Director and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, who are also title sponsors of the Hero Indian men's and women's Indian Opens.

In between the various stages of the eight-man competition, cricket's spinning legend, Shane Warne beat three celebrities, including fellow cricketer, Kevin Pietersen, singer Brian McFadden and TV personality, Piers Morgan in a Celebrity one-hole shoot-out.
The action, which took place two days before the venue hosts the British Masters supported by Sky Sports - was shown live on Sky Sports.
Eight players started out in the knockout format with Tournament host and former World No.1 Luke Donald taking out Indian superstar, Jeev Milkha Singh, while Levy beat Englishman Andy Sullivan. Levy then beat Donald in the semi-final.

In the other half of the draw, Noren beat Austrian Bernd Wiesberger before dispatching Ireland's Shane Lowry in the semi-final after Lowry beat Andrew Johnston in the 'Battle of the Beards'.

The 18th green had a amphitheatre kind of feel with the Grandstand and the adjoining Donald Pavilion packed with 2,200 spectators.
The winner Levy, said, "That was a lot of fun. I said to Alex Noren, I felt more pressure there than in the play-off in Germany, which is ridiculous. It was amazing to see the crowds and everyone enjoying it. Golf needs something like this and it is a great idea. I really enjoyed it, and of course it is always nice to win."
Jeev added, "This is a great way to bring more spectators to golf. The quick-fire one-hour format will win us (golf) many more followers. We should have those at event back home in Indian, too."

Shane Warne, a keen golfer, and his friend, Piers Morgan were engaged in their own banter and livened up the atmosphere for the crowds, which enjoyed itself thoroughly.
The tournament host Donald believes the Hero Challenge was a terrific addition to the tournament.