With three Indians walking away with the winner’s cheque in the previous four editions of the Panasonic Open India, the event has become something of a launch pad for domestic talent since the inaugur
With three Indians walking away with the winner’s cheque in the previous four editions of the Panasonic Open India, the event has become something of a launch pad for domestic talent since the inaugural tournament in 2011.
Offering an enhanced sum of $400,000 this year, up by $100,000 from past editions, the event — to be played from Thursday at the Delhi Golf Club — has drawn a number of Asian Tour stars besides a large pool of local talent.
Speaking at the official launch of the tournament, 2014 runner-up Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka — also known as Chhota Baccha on the PGTI Tour — recalled, “I haven’t won anything on the Asian Tour yet but I strongly believe that my first win will come at the DGC. I need some luck to win. I always stay out of trouble on the course so I just need some putts to go my way and I’ll taste that first victory.”
Perera, tied third at the Hero Indian Open here earlier this year, added, “I lost in a play-off but I have good memories at the DGC. It is like my home course because I always play well there. Accuracy is the strongest part of my game which is why I’ve always played well here.”
For local lad Chiragh Kumar, a recent tied second place at the Venetian Macau Open has been encouraging. “I have been playing a lot in the last five-six weeks. The highlight was obviously the second place finish at Macau last month.
“I found some form after a long time. So I am looking forward to a strong finish in the next few events. If I can put four good days together, I am sure I will be able to put up a good show this week,” he added.
Almost man Rahil Gangjee, whose last title came 11 years ago, is banking on his accuracy to deliver the goods at the Panasonic. “I like courses where you have to work it around the course and where you don’t just blast it. At Delhi, the long hitters don’t have an advantage and that’s good because I’m a medium range hitter.
“I love this course. My putting has been good. But I have had problems with my hitting. At the level we are playing, a bad shot here and there, and you won’t be able to compete. But last two weeks at Macau and Hong Kong, I am feeling good. I think I am ready to go.”
