By Champika Nanda Sayal, Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI) Secretary General
It is the onset of autumn and beginning of the festive season in India’s National Capital Region. All eyes are on Women’s Golf Association of India’s flagship tournament, the Hero Women’s Indian Open 2018, the 12th edition in a new avatar. While the rest of the world is cautious in big spends, the world’s largest two wheeler manufacturer has stepped in to take India’s premier women’s golf challenge to an all-time high. Indeed, Pawan Munjal, Chairman, MD & CEO of Hero MotoCorp, who can affectionately be called “Father of Indian Sports” – and truly the “Hero of Indian Sports”, is virtually giving financial support to every sport in our country to ensure global standards for these young vibrant sports persons.
DLF Golf and Country Club, India’s premier golfing facility is in a state of readiness to welcome 120 young golfers from 27 different countries, vying for the coveted winner’s prize. Firangipanis – known in India as “Champa flowers”, are white in their evergreen trees. Currently in full bloom across the course, the natural flora and fauna of DLF Golf and Country Club is impossible to miss. Kudos to the maintenance team for an immaculate course! Host country India is fielding a total of 17 players, followed by England with 15 players, and then smaller numbers from Sweden, France and Thailand.
The quest for glory over 72 holes will not be easy. It is going to be a test of mental and physical agility on the Gary Player designed “Black Knight” golf course which has been set just under 6200 yards.
On the side lines of this magnificent championship, 50 aspiring junior girls have been invited to a “Camp of Excellence” from across golf clubs in India. During the three day camp, the children will be groomed by the Ladies European Tour players on various aspects of the game. India’s young talent will be in for a treat, watching and learning from international players of iconic status.
For our international players and guests, the event week also happens to coincide with the on-going festive mood of “Navratra” or the 9 auspicious nights, and “Dusshera”, when Good prevails over Evil.
