DGC’s Lodhi course to play host for the Bold and Beautiful
Come December- it’s going to be a second opportunity for many bold and beautiful golf players who are converging in New-Delhi to vie for India’s dream title “Hero Women’s Indian Golf Open’. 2014 has been an exceptional year for receiving exemption requests to participate in the Championship. Players from over 25 countries will be seen donning DGC’s picturesque fairways as winter sets in.
The Ladies European Tour along with the Ladies Asian Golf Tour made their debut on DGC’s Lodhi course in 2013. After the qualifying score was announced at + 9, post 36 holes last year, which was declared “highest” on the Ladies European Tour, several players have written from early 2014 requesting to come back to take on the Lodhi Course.
The recent visit of LET’s Tournament Director for the forthcoming Hero Women’s Indian Open, has many surprises. Some interesting changes for this year’s edition- the lady Pros are to hone their skills on a “NEW PAR” of the course which has been declared at 73. The Ninth hole is to be played from the men’s black tee as a par 5! The course length has been reduced by over a hundred yards to deal with restricted daylight hours.
Defending Champion Thidapa Suwarnnapurna , Leading the Ladies European tour are Carlota Ciganda from Spain and Glawdys Nocera from France. Italian super model golfer Sophie Sandolo will be seen donning DGC’s fairways. Korea’s Bo Mi Suh will lead the Ladies Asian Golf tour along with Malaysian Ainil Abu Bakar. India’s contingent is being lead by Vani Kapoor who stands tall with her multiple wins on Hero Women’s Golf Tour had a superb finish at a Ladies European Tour Access Series tournament in Antalaya few weeks ago. Indian Amateur Golfer Gauri Monga will make her debut as a professional player. After her stellar performance in the 2013 edition, this year too Gauri is a player to watch for- given her home course advantage. Travelling from the US are the three Indian players who have been playing on the Symetra tour Vaishvi Sinha from Noida Golf Club, Rhea Nair and Tanya Wadhwa.
Recovering from a toe fracture – Sharmila Nicollet India’s glamour girl will have to display her best and more-with her fan following now reached beyond India’s boundaries- she is working harder at her putting! With upcoming players like Vani Kapoor, Neha Tripathi and others, the Indian field promises to offer more to their European contemporaries.
Once again, there will be great anticipation and enough spotlight on Indian women’s golf. The sport is growing among women with each passing year and it’s rewarding to see some of India’s top lady golfers perform brilliantly on tournaments in Asia as well. HWIO 2014 will yet again be a great meeting ground of amazing golfers, different cultures and some spectacular golf.
