New Delhi, 03-11-2015
ASIAN TOUR AND INDIAN STARS AIM FOR PANASONIC OPEN INDIA GLORY
The Asian Tour luminaries and Indian stalwarts will aim to win the fifth edition of the Panasonic Open India, which has been a launch pad for players since its inauguration in 2011.
The Panasonic Open India which will offer US$400,000 this year, an increase of US$100,000 from past editions, has attracted some of the leading players from the region who include two-time Order of Merit winner Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and Jyoti Randhawa of India.
India’s Rahil Gangjee and Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka, who finished tied second last year, will also feature in the popular event alongside Marcus Both of Australia and Indian duo Gaganjeet Bhullar and Rashid Khan at the venerable Delhi Golf Club.
The Panasonic Open India has propelled the careers of many Indian golfers including Anirban Lahiri, who is the current Asian Tour number one, Digvijay Singh and S.S.P. Chawrasia. Wade Ormsby of Australia won the Panasonic Open India in 2013 for his first career title after playing in over 200 professional tournaments.
Gangjee and Perera will hope to follow in their footsteps after they were left heart broken when they lost in a play-off to Chawrasia last year.
The sharp-shooting Perera has enjoyed a stellar season on the Asian Tour so far highlighted by his tied third result at the Hero Indian Open which was played at the Delhi course earlier this year.
Perera, the son to Nandasena, a famous name on the old Asian circuit during the 1980s and 1990s, currently sits in 17th position on the Order of Merit and hopes to win a first Asian Tour title at the Panasonic Open India.
“I haven’t won anything on the Asian Tour yet but I strongly believe that my first win will come at the Delhi Golf Club. I need some luck to win. I always stay out of trouble on the course so I just need some putts to go my way and I’ll taste that first victory,” said Perera.
“I lost in a play-off but I always have good memories at the Panasonic Open India. It is like my home golf course because I always play well there. Accuracy is my strongest part of my game so that’s why I’ve always played well there,” he explained.
After struggling with his driver this year, Gangjee is excited to return to the tree-lined Delhi Golf Club where most players avoid using the big stick due to the narrow fairways.
“I’m playing on one of my favourite course and I can’t wait to play in the event. I like golf courses where you have to work it around the course and where you don’t just blast it. At Delhi, the long hitters don’t have an advantage and that’s good because I’m a medium range hitter,” said Gangjee.
He hopes to turn the corner at the Panasonic Open India after going through an uncharacteristic run of poor form.
“I had eight missed cuts so overall I don’t think I’m playing well. Last year was my best year but this year has been pretty bad even though I feel like I’ve been playing okay. It is always nice to play at home with your family around. Familiar surrounding is always good,” he said.
Sarthak Seth, Head - Brand & Marketing Communications, Panasonic India said: “We are proud to be associated with the Panasonic Open India which has elevated the careers of many players including Anirban Lahiri. It is our ultimate goal to play a role in growing the game of golf in Asia by providing them with this playing opportunity.
“Through the global live television, we are also able to engage with our consumers in India and across the global live television broadcast. We hope to see another worthy champion emerge at the Panasonic Open India this week.”
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
