New Delhi, 04-11-2015
HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR SIDDIKUR, DIGVIJAY AND CHIKKA AT THE PANASONIC OPEN INDIA
The Panasonic Open India week will be one of high expectations for PGTI members Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh and Indians Digvijay Singh and Chikkarangappa S.
Siddikur begins the week as one of the pre-tournament favourites thanks to his enviable record at the Delhi Golf Club.
The affable Bangladeshi, looking for his third Asian Tour title, has won once and finished runner-up on three occasions at the DGC in the last five years. He has also secured eight other top-10s at the historic venue.
Despite his fondness for the tree-lined course, Siddikur is slightly disappointed that he has not won more Asian Tour titles at the venue.
“I finished second so many times here and that could have been victories. I wish I won more at Delhi because this golf course suits my game. I have good confidence here and that’s the key to playing well here,” he said.
A week’s break has rejuvenated Siddikur ahead of the Panasonic Open India.
“I had a break last week and I didn’t practice much. I just prepared myself mentally for this week. I’m feeling very confident ahead of this week. I’m quite happy with my game. I played in the last five events and made four cuts. I think my game is back,” said Siddikur.
The 22-year-old Chikkarangappa, who won on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) last week, feels the valuable advice he has received from Indian star Anirban Lahiri on how to negotiate the DGC will serve him well.
He needs a good finish in Delhi to climb up the money list where he currently lies 71st. He has to finish inside the top-60 at the end of the season to retain his Asian Tour card for 2016.
“I learnt how to play this golf course and got some feedback from Anirban on how to handle this course. I’m always in touch with him. Every once a week I have a chat with him to catch up on things and he keeps putting me on the right path.
“Yes, I need to put some money on the Order of Merit. I’m feeling the pressure but I always play my best when I’m under pressure,” said Chikka.
Digvijay Singh, the 2012 Panasonic Open India winner, the only former champion in the field this year, will draw confidence from his winning memories three years ago as he hopes to bounce back from missing the halfway cuts in five appearances this year.
Digvijay said, “I remember the win almost like it happened yesterday. I’ve had a bad patch in the last seven months. I’ve struggled on the Asian Tour. Hopefully it will be better starting from this week.”
“I’ve only realised in these last few years that this game is about the few inches between your ears. Sometimes you doubt yourself and that’s the time when you need to pick up the pieces and keep moving on. Doubts will only make it worse,” Singh explained.
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
