(BANGALORE, Dec 4) – What will be the winning score? Well, 12 under, 16 under… according to the players it will be difficult to predict. It’s difficult to guess, but one thing is sure: the EMAAR-MGF Ladies Masters which gets under way at the Eagleton Resort on Wednesday (Dec 5) will be decided in and around the greens.
The greens can be pretty tricky. And a lot will depend on how the pin positions are placed during the week. Then there is the wind factor. Some say “aggressive and accurate” driving will hold the key to winning the euro 200,000 Ladies European Tour event being held in India for the first time. Nothing can be said with certainty.
Let’s hear from the players themselves what they say about India, the course – and the winning score on this what they call a “nice and great” course.
LAURA DAVIES: “You need to make lots of birdies – and there are plenty of holes where you can pick up a shot. I am anticipating great scores here. The slopes on the greens can be a little tricky. Still, I think 16 under par will be the winning the score.
“I am really enjoying my stay in India. It’s my first time here in my 22 years of playing career. The Ladies European Tour is visiting new places every year and that amply show the tour is becoming stronger and stronger every year.”
GWLADYS NOCERA: “The course set up is pretty nice. Of course, you can’t make a birdie on each hole and still there are plenty where you can have a good score. I think front nine will be a bit difficult for most of golfers. A score of 12 under, I feel, will win the championship.
“We are having a good time in India. People are nice and the hospitality is second to none. I came here a bit early since I wanted to explore the place. It’s nice to visit new places and experience the taste of different cultures. I am enjoying the food too.”
IBEN TINNING: “Well, I landed here only last night, hence can’t say much about the course. I am going out today for a practice round today. From the look of it, the course appears good matured. All I can say I am delighted to be in India.”
MARTINA EBERL: “The key to winning here will be the pin positions. If the LET rules official place them on difficult positions, then it will be tough to card a good score. If you miss a fairway, it will be difficult to attack the greens. It’s not easy to play from the rough. The wind can also affect the scoring. It’s difficult to predict the winning scores under the circumstances, but I still feel a 12 to 15 under should be okay to win the tournament.
“It feels great to be in India. No complaints, all thanks to the Ladies European Tour for creating opportunities for players to play in different countries.”
CLAIRE QUEEN: “The Eagleton Resort is simply lovely and nice. If you can keep the ball in the right areas, you can come out with good scores. One should avoid getting into the rough. The greens are a bit tricky and anyone who can hole putts will win the tournament. I reckon 12 under par should be okay.
“Coming to India is a great experience. I am really enjoying my stay here. Of course, I would like to win the tournament; let’s see how things shape up in the coming four days.”
NONITA LALL: “The short game will play an important role here. In my opinion the championship will be decided in and around the greens. The fairways are wide open; but holing putts will be the decisive factor. A score between 10 and 16 under is quite possible over the next four days.
“I am really delighted the Ladies European Tour is making a stop in our country. The tournament will provide a big boost to women’s golf in India.”
VIRGINIE LAGOUTTE-CLEMENT: “You have got to be aggressive with your driving on this course which looks in great shape. And mind you, the driving has to be accurate. Once you are in the rough, it’s not easy to attack the pin from there.
The undulating greens, some with grains, will be another major hurdle. But then all these things make the course very interesting. I think we are going to enjoy playing here. The winning the score probably will be under 15.”
Well, only time will tell who will hold aloft the elegant EMAAR-MGF Ladies Masters trophy on Saturday, one thing is sure: The Ladies European Tour event, being promoted and organised by golf in DUBAI, has put Indian women’s golf on the map! And the players are having an incredible experience in Incredible India.