Pune, 19-10-2015
TOP NAMES IN INDIAN GOLF TO LIGHT UP WESTERN INDIA OXFORD MASTERS
With a view to giving talent in Western India chances to compete with the country’s top professional golfers, the Oxford Golf Resort announced a new annual tournament offering Rs 30 lacs prize money, to be held at the Oxford Golf Resort at Pune from October 18 to 23rd.
This will be a full field Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) sanctioned event-attracting 120 of the country’s top pro golfers and will see many of Western India’s top young talent in action. Further the event will give junior golfers in the area a chance to watch the pros in action through a unique “walk with the pros’ program which will allow, for the first time, juniors to accompany the leading players during the final rounds at close quarters, keep score, and interact and learn from the masters. A junior clinic by the top players will also be held.
“Indian players from India’s North and South golf clubs have been doing outstandingly well this year in particular across the world but we are yet to see strong talent emerge from Western India despite us being blessed with world class facilities such as Oxford Golf Resort, Kalhaar Blues & Greens in Ahmedabad, Bombay Presidency Golf Club in Chembur and more. We have therefore decided to create this annual event to expose our youngsters to the best Indian pros and encourage talent development,” said Anil Seolekar of Oxford Group.
“We are delighted to introduce a new annual event on the PGTI in partnership with the Oxford Golf Resort. The Oxford Golf Resort is truly a world class venue and our players look forward to the opportunity of playing at this magnificent course. The launch of the Western India Oxford Masters is a giant stride for the growth of the sport in the western region of the country,” said Uttam Singh Mundy, Director, PGTI.
“In order to honour the memory of perhaps Western India’s most prominent golfer for many decades, the trophy of the tournament is named “Rajkumar PitamberTrophy”. “Pit“ as he was known was a regular member of the Indian national amateur squad during the 1960’s and 70’s when India won the 1973 Asia Pacific Amateur Team championship. He served as President of the Indian Golf Union and National team selection chairman for over a decade while holding the office of Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra for over a decade. As a 3 time national champion he was a thorough gentleman and embodied the true spirit of sportsmanship and we hope his accomplishments and character will encourage parents and youngsters to pursue the game to the highest level. ” added former Asian Games Gold Medallist Rishi Narain, the tournament organizer.
The tournament will be held over four days and 72 holes with a cut off after two days to the top 50 scores and ties. The event week began with a pro-am on Sunday, October 18th.
The tournament is also unique is that it is following the pattern of select international tournaments like the Tucson Open in Arizona and others which are supported by the local business community. Led by the Oxford Group of Pune, companies Websym, Essel Finance, Coesia and others have come forward to support the event.
This is a modified Business enterprise crowd-funding model, which is followed by established marquee tournaments around the world. “The business community is the one that follows golf in Western India and it is great they have come forward to support it,” added Anil Seolekar of the Oxford Group.
About Oxford Golf Resort
With a burning desire to create Pune & India’s top leisure and recreation centre, Oxford Golf Resort epitomizes the true vision of a private club. With facilities ranging from a picturesque golf course, a 42 bay world class equipped golf academy, a dedicated sporting retail shop, tennis courts, squash courts and a wide range of racquet sports on offer, an infinity swimming pool, a variety of restaurants, chalets and tents to stay overnight, and open air venues for banquet and entertainment events provides for a truly world-class country club experience. The shining jewel and the true sense of the club, however, can be found in the exceptional Members and Members service provided by our warm staff who welcome you to your home away from home and help form the unforgettable moments experienced when you step into the world of Oxford Golf Resort.
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
