Nuh, Haryana, 13-11-2019
Seasoned Indians - Kapur, Bhullar, Randhawa - names to watch out at Panasonic Open India 2019
At this year’s Panasonic Open India, defending champion Khalin Joshi is expected to hog the limelight along with other Indian youngsters such as Ajeetesh Sandhu and Rashid Khan, both of whom have done well on the Asian Tour this season.
However, the other names to watch out from the host nation are those of seasoned campaigners Shiv Kapur, the 2017 champion, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Jyoti Randhawa.
Four-time Asian Tour winner Shiv Kapur was having a quiet season till he struck form last week at the Thailand Open where he shot a course record eight-under-63 and also finished a season-best joint second after losing out in a playoff.
Kapur will now look to rework the magic of 2017 at the Classic Golf & Country Club, a venue where he returns to play an event after a decade.
Shiv said, “I've had a lacklustre season thus far. Last week, I was at a golf course where I've had success in the past. Two years ago, Gaganjeet and I tied for second place there and obviously I had my first Asian Tour win there. So anytime you go to a golf course where you've had some success, it gives you a lot of confidence.
“Hopefully, I can carry that confidence that I gained last week into this week. It was obviously disappointing not to win but standing on the 14th tee in the final round, I was five or six shots back. So, didn't really think I had a shot. So, to even get into the playoff was a bonus.
“I like the way the Classic Golf & Country Club sets up and it suits my eye. If one compares it to the Delhi Golf Club, here you can let the driver go a little bit more. This venue is also a lot about your iron-play and how you hit your approaches into the greens. You’ve got to give respect to the par-3s, if I can play the par-3s better than the others I think I’ll have an advantage.”
Gaganjeet Bhullar, the man with nine Asian Tour wins, the most among Indians, will be looking to bag a record 10th title this week. The strapping Bhullar, who claimed his first European Tour title in Fiji last year, is interestingly yet to win an Asian Tour event in India. He also returns to compete at Classic after a decade.
Bhullar said, “I've never won an Asian Tour event in India so that is something definitely on my mind. This year I started off really well but the second half on the European Tour was not as good as I was expecting. But right now, I'm feeling good, the body is feeling good and I'm hitting the ball well.
“I'm playing on this golf course after a gap of 10 years. Last time I played here, I shot 22-under and I lost the tournament by ten shots! It is a great golf course and I'm feeling confident to play well this week.
“I have fond memories of the Panasonic Open India as I finished runner-up in 2012 and have also had a few other top-10s at the event. So, I’m really eager to tee it up this week.”
Jyoti Randhawa will hit a career milestone on the Asian Tour when he tees up for his 300th event on Tour at the Panasonic Open India on Thursday. The 47-year-old Randhawa, one of the trailblazers and first global achievers of Indian golf, turned professional back in 1994. Jyoti’s glittering career has been highlighted by his eight Asian Tour wins and his 2002 Asian Tour Order of Merit title.
The supremely fit Randhawa, who enjoyed a season-best tied 14th finish in Thailand last week, will now be keen to continue his good form by coming up with a memorable performance at his landmark 300th event. Interestingly, Jyoti had won the first of his three Indian Opens at the Classic Golf & Country Club back in the year 2000.
Randhawa said, “Well you know what, it doesn't seem that long. I remember my first tournament and 300 feels a long time, but it doesn't feel that long. I'm just feeling great having played so many events. It's surprising for me too. I didn't realize it.
“The highlights? Winning the Indian Opens was good, because you know, you’re a local boy and you are able to win in your own country. I won three of them actually. The first one was special. It was on this very golf course. The best years on the Asian Tour were 2002 when I won the Order of Merit and also 2000 when I won two events.
“This week I just need to hit it long and putt straight. This is what this golf course needs. So, hit as far as you can and make those putts.”
About PGTI:
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.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
