Delhi, 30-11-2016
ATWAL, JEEV & KAPUR SEEK POSITIVE FINISH TO SEASON
India’s Arjun Atwal will be looking to turn the corner when he makes his debut appearance at the US$400,000 Panasonic Open India which starts on Thursday.
Placed 70th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, Atwal needs a top-10 finish at the Delhi Golf Club to break into top-60 on the final money list, which is the cut-off mark for players to retain their full playing rights on the region’s premier Tour for 2017.
Atwal had earned a two-year exemption when he claimed his eighth Asian Tour victory at the Dubai Open in 2014. He hopes to take advantage of his course knowledge for a good showing, which will ease his Tour card worries ahead of the season finale next week.
“This course is very tight. The number one key here is to hit as many fairways as you can. If you play from the shot grass, you are going to do well. If you start missing fairways, it’s basically a done deal for you. It’s all about hitting fairways here,” said the 43-year-old Atwal.
“It’s good to be back at the Delhi Golf Club. I have played a lot on this course but it’s my first time playing in this tournament. I am excited to be here. I will just treat this week like any other week,” added Atwal, the first Indian golfer to win on the PGA Tour in 2010.
Jeev Milkha Singh, who recently finished tied second at the Asian Tour’s Indonesia Open which was won by compatriot Gaganjeet Bhullar, will also look to set the record straight by bagging his first international title in India.
Jeev said, “That event has renewed my belief that I can still give these youngsters a run for their money and can add a few more wins.”
The tournament also provides local lad Shiv Kapur a great opportunity to notch up his first Asian Tour win since 2005.
Kapur, who has so far posted two top-10s in Asia this season, said, “I started the year well and then missed two months of competitive golf due to illness. However, I’m now back to full fitness and looking to finish the year on a high with solid performances in the last two events of the Asian Tour season that will also help improve my Order of Merit ranking.
“Importantly, I have already saved my card for next year so there is less pressure,” added Kapur, who is currently 36th on the Asian Tour money list.
On the prevailing conditions at his home course, the DGC, Shiv said, “It’s playing a bit longer than usual so it will present a different challenge. You can’t get away with hitting as many irons as you do otherwise. This time around you’ll have to attack a little bit more.”
Defending champion Chiragh Kumar of India will headline the sixth edition of the Panasonic Open India alongside countryman Chikkarangappa S as well as the seasoned Jyoti Randhawa.
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Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Kapil Dev (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
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