Hyderabad, 21-02-2018
Golconda Masters 2018 presented by Telangana Tourism tees off on February 22
• Prize Purse of Rs. 30 lakh
• Field to feature Khalin Joshi, Chikkarangappa, Rahil Gangjee, Shamim Khan, Viraj Madappa, Udayan Mane, Honey Baisoya, former champion Harendra Gupta, PGTI Order of Merit leader Syed Saqib Ahmed
The Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA) and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the official sanctioning body of professional golf in India, today announced the fourth edition of the Golconda Masters Golf Championship presented by Telangana Tourism which will be held at the Hyderabad Golf Club (HGC) from February 22 - 25, 2018, and will carry a prize purse of Rs. 30 lakh. The Pro-Am event preceding the tournament will be held on February 21st.
The tournament which will witness participation by 123 golfers is supported by presenting partner Telangana Tourism, principal partner Incredible India and associate sponsors Vooty, Bharathi Cements and Fruit Nik. Besides India’s leading professionals, the field will also feature professionals from countries such as Sri Lanka, South Africa, Bangladesh and Australia.
The top Indian professionals in the fray include Asian Tour regulars Khalin Joshi, Chikkarangappa, Rahil Gangjee, Viraj Madappa, Himmat Rai as well as Shamim Khan (2017 PGTI Order of Merit champion), former champion Harendra Gupta (2015), Syed Saqib Ahmed (2018 PGTI Order of Merit leader), Udayan Mane and Honey Baisoya, to name a few.
The foreign challenge will be led by the Sri Lankan quartet of Anura Rohana, Mithun Perera, N Thangaraja and K Prabagaran as well as Australian Kunal Bhasin, Bangladesh’s Md Zamal Hossain Mollah and South African Albie Hanekom.
Mr. J Vikramdev Rao, President, HGA, said, “It is indeed a proud moment for us to be hosting the prestigious PGTI tournament once again at HGA’s heritage golf course. We look forward to seeing the country’s top golfers vie for the honours in such a spectacular and historic setting of the Golconda.”
Mr. C Dayakar Reddy, Captain, HGA, said, “We are happy to once again welcome the top golfing professionals from India and overseas. The prestigious “Golconda Masters” Golf tournament has truly emerged as a marquee event in Hyderabad. This event is giving an impetus to golf in Hyderabad and Telangana as we are seeing heightened interest in the game. We are sure, the Golconda Masters will be a much sought after event with a strong field and excellent course conditions. We wish all the players the very best.”
Mr. Srikanth Rao, Hon. Secretary, HGA, said, “We look forward to building on our partnership with PGTI in the coming years in order to further grow professional golf in Hyderabad and the rest of Telangana. The staging of events such as the Golconda Masters gives us the platform to showcase the HGA and its distinct features to golf lovers across the country. This is an important step towards promoting the HGA as a popular golfing destination in India.”
Mr. Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO, PGTI, said, “The PGTI looks forward to returning to the pristine Hyderabad Golf Club for the Golconda Masters 2018 presented by Telangana Tourism. The tournament has emerged as an important leg on the PGTI schedule over the last three years thanks to the strong support of the Hyderabad Golf Association and Telangana Tourism. The fourth edition of the event promises an enthralling week of golf as leading names of the country are set to battle it out at one of India’s most spectacular golfing venues.”
Promoted by the Telangana Tourism Development Corporation and the Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA), the 212-acre expanse provides an 18-hole, 6200 yard, par-71 layout that also features a floodlit driving range, a pro shop, a golf fitting shop, and training & practice facilities. A modern clubhouse with dining hall, lounge, open deck, change rooms, and trained staff is also in place.
The mission of the project is to set up an international standard golf course, a golf training academy and to put Hyderabad on the International Golfing map. The ‘Best Tourism Friendly Golf Course’ award bestowed on it by National Tourism, reiterates the pleasant experience that HGA provides. The Hyderabad Golf Club offers 18 challenging holes that bring players up close with the heritage and beauty of the Deccan hinterland - Golconda Fort and Naya Quila in particular.
Picture: Professionals Chikkarangappa (left) and Rahil Gangjee (right) pose with the Golconda Masters 2018 presented by Telangana Tourism trophy
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
