Kolkata, 21-12-2016
Men in form SSP Chawrasia & Gaganjeet Bhullar top contenders at fifth McLeod Russel Tour Championship
Arjun Atwal looks to make it a memorable homecoming
SSP Chawrasia and Gaganjeet Bhullar, winners of two titles each in Asia this year, will be the men to beat in the star-studded field of 64 golfers at the Rs. 1.5 crore McLeod Russel Tour Championship 2016 which begins at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) on Thursday.
The duo is riding high on confidence ahead of the year-ending tournament of the PGTI having posted international wins just about a month back.
While SSP Chawrasia achieved a major landmark by winning his first title outside India at the Resorts World Manila Masters in mid-November, Gaganjeet Bhullar made it back to back titles for India the following week when he lifted the Indonesia Open trophy for the second time.
Local lad Chawrasia, said, “I have some very positive vibes coming into the McLeod Russel Tour Championship as I won the first edition of the event back in 2012. It is an event that I eagerly await all year. It’s also great to be back at RCGC as this is my home course and I began my golfing journey here.
“This has been one of my best years as a professional so far as I not only realized my childhood dream of winning the Indian Open, but also finally won my first event outside India after a long wait. So I’m eager to end the year on a high with another win here at RCGC.
“The course conditions are world-class. One has to watch out for the rough which is much thicker than before. I would say that the tough field this week is good for the young Indian golfers as it prepares them for the bigger stage. They will learn a lot when they rub shoulders with the likes of Jeev, Arjun, Jyoti and Shiv,” added SSP, who will be playing his first round alongside Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shiv Kapur.
Gaganjeet Bhullar, who finished tied second at the 2014 edition of the event, said, “This is one of my favourite golf courses in India. The layout, conditions and the set up this week at RCGC is like an international event. It will be my fourth appearance at this tournament and I’m raring to go as all the big names are here. I’d like to thank the sponsor McLeod Russel for giving me an invite and this opportunity to be here.
“It’s definitely been one of the best seasons of my career. The last time I had two wins was in 2012. All the hard work has paid off. There was a great sense of achievement when I won in Korea for the first time with some of Asia’s best golfers being part of the event. Winning the Indonesia Open for the second time was another special occasion.
“Hitting maximum fairways and holing putts will be the key this week. You have to give yourself chances on the greens here at RCGC.
“It’s good to see Shubhankar Sharma leading the Rolex Ranking. It’s a great opportunity for youngsters such as Shubhankar, Khalin Joshi, Rashid Khan and Honey Basioya to win the Rolex Ranking title this time around.”
Arjun Atwal, another local favourite, who returns to the McLeod Russel Tour Championship and the RCGC after 2014, is looking for a memorable homecoming.
“I love being back home in Kolkata among family and friends. I’m also returning to the golf course where I learnt to play the game. It brings back such good memories. I won the Indian Open here at the RCGC in 1999.
“I had a decent outing in Hong Kong two weeks back. I’ve been striking it well but I need to sharpen my putting which has been a little inconsistent. The course is playing tough with the rough up. Anytime you miss the fairway, you’ll struggle to make par, so it’s going to be a good test.”
Jyoti Randhawa also has good memories from last year’s McLeod Russel Tour Championship where he finished tied second.
“I’ve had a few good weeks in the run-up to this event. I put in a solid performance at the Asian Tour event in Delhi earlier this month where I claimed joint second place. I’m playing better with each week and looking to improve upon my short-game.
“This course requires a good all round game. One needs to strike it well and also grab the opportunities on the greens.”
The tournament will decide the Rolex Ranking champion. At the moment there is very little to separate the top five – Shubhankar Sharma, Shamim Khan, Khalin Joshi, Rashid Khan and Honey Baisoya – as there is just a gap of under Rs. 11 lakh between them. Reigning Rolex Ranking champion Chikkarangappa, also the defending champion of the McLeod Russel Tour Championship, is placed sixth in the money list and also a top contender this week. The winner takes home a cheque worth Rs. 22,50,000.
The foreign challenge is being led by the Thai duo of Pariya Junhasavasdikul, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, and 18-year-old sensation Suradit Yoncharoenchai.
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. Srinivasan H R (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
