Jan 31, 2017: The Hero Indian Open is a cherished outing for many golfers from around the world.The fact that it is an event jointly sanctioned by the Asian and European Tours gives it gravity and pedigree.The next edition in March will also be keenly watched, following the move from Delhi Golf Club to the DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurugram. S Chikkarangappa was in Delhi for the launch of the event, starry eyed and hopeful about his chances to make a name for himself on Indian soil.
“I think I am a lucky person to be where I am today. I have been surrounded by the right people. I owe special gratitude to Eagleton, my home club,” said a philosophical Chikkrangappa.
“They have never treated me as a ball boy or caddie. Everything was accessible to me since they started supporting me. This motivated me and helped my game a lot.”
The Hero Indian Open offers Chikkarangappa a chance to punch his ticket to the European Tour.
Anibran Lahiri and SSP Chawrasia have seen their careers propelled into a newer orbit with their successes at the tournament.
“Anirban Lahiri has been my inspiration and role model in the game. He has been with me through thick and thin. He has always helped me,” said the grateful golfer.
“SSP is an inspiration. His perseverance and humility are virtues that I would like to learn and emulate,” said Chikkrangappa in an exclusive conversation with Golfing Indian in New Delhi.
The DLF course proved to be a tough test to a field of LPGA and Ladies European Tour professionals late last year.
Chikkarangappa expects it to be the same for the men, when they get around to playing the tournament in the early part of March.
“I have not played the DLF course yet but I had a chat with my friend Aditi Ashok who has played it a couple of times and won the women’s national recently,” admitted Chikkarangappa.
“She tells me that the course is a good test, designed to be as good as any international course. I look forward to play here and test myself.”
Anand Datla
