By Rahul Banerji
Almost exactly eight months after its last event, the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) will wind down its 2020 events with a five-leg set of tournaments divided between Chandigarh, Digboi and Jamshedpur.
The resumed schedule opens with three events in Chandigarh following the gradual advance of the government’s unlock guidelines, the PGTI said,
Between them the five tournaments will offer Rs 4.10 crore in prize money, according to the PGTI event schedule.
The seventh and last event before the corona-virus swept sporting calendars into the dustbin was the Bengal Open from March 12 to 15, which Aadil Bedi won at the Tollygunj Club.
First up is the Rs 30 lakh Tata Steel Players Championship presented by Panchkula Golf club from November 4 to 7.
Venue swap
This will be played both at Panchkula and the Chandigarh Golf Club over the first two days with the final two days at the former venue. Players will alternate their opening two rounds between the two courses.
Entries for the event, where tour veteran Mukesh Kumar is defending champion, close on October 21, the PGTI schedule noted.
In a media statement, the PGTI also said since it would not stage the Qualifying School for 2021, “criteria for eligibility of players in 2020 will be extended to 2021”.
The corresponding event at the Chandigarh Golf Club from November 9 to 12 will also offer Rs 30 lakh, for which entries close on October 26.
As in the earlier event, the first two rounds will see the field play both courses – Chandiharh and Panchkula – alternately over the first two rounds.
The final two days will then be held at the CGC.
Rashid Khan was the 2019 edition winner.
Guidelines in place
The PGTI has formulated strict regulations and guidelines in order to take all precautions against Covid-19 and ensure a safe and healthy environment during tournaments, the organisation said.
December will witness three prestigious PGTI events including the third edition of the Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational presented by Take at CGC from December 3 to 6 with a prize purse of Rs. 1.5 crore.
The 21st edition of the IndianOil Servo Masters Golf will be staged at the Digboi Golf Links in Assam from December 9 to 12 carrying prize money of Rs. 60 lakh.
The five-event swing ends with the Rs. 1.5 crore Tata Steel Tour Championship at Golmuri Golf Club in Jamshedpur from December 17 to 20.
PGTI chief executive Uttam Singh Mundy, said, “With the allowance to conduct tournaments within the Unlock Guidelines, we are pleased to announce these five tournaments in November and December.”
Schedule
| DATE | TOURNAMENT | PRO-AM | VENUE | PRIZE MONEY |
| Nov 4-7, 2020 | Tata Steel PGTI Players Championship 2020 presented by Panchkula Golf Club | N/A | Panchkula & Chandigarh Golf Clubs | Rs 30 Lacs |
| Nov 9-12, 2020 | Tata Steel PGTI Players Championship 2020 presented by Chandigarh Golf Club | N/A | Chandigarh & Panchkula Golf Clubs | Rs 30 Lacs |
| Dec 3-6, 2020 | Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational 2020 presented by TAKE | Dec 2, 2020 | Chandigarh Golf Club, Chandigarh | Rs 1.5 Crore |
| Dec 9-12, 2020 (TBC) | IndianOil Servo Masters Golf 2020 | Dec 13, 2020 (TBC) | Digboi Golf Links, Digboi | Rs 60 Lacs |
| Dec 17-20, 2020 | Tata Steel Tour Championship 2020 | Dec 16, 2020 | Golmuri Golf Club, Jamshedpur | Rs 1.5 Crore |
Further guidelines
*Players must get their COVID-19 Test done 72 hours prior to arriving at the tournament venue for their practice round.
Only those with a negative report will be allowed and players must carry the report in person without which they cannot enter the tournament/venue.
*Installing of the Aarogya-Setu App recommended for players and they are also expected to regularly update their health status on it.
*Social Distancing (minimum of 6-foot distance from others) must be practiced at all times when at the tournament venue.
*Masks mandatory in all areas except while playing on course and dining. This in accordance with the host club, state and MHA guidelines.
*Gatherings are strictly prohibited – players will be asked to leave the tournament venue as soon as their round has been completed. No practice will be allowed after the round.
*If a player is showing any signs of illness he will be asked to stay home and must follow the health protocols as recommended by the health authorities.
*No player other than those as mentioned in the Tournament Entry List/Draw (Practice Round, Rounds 1 & 2) & also only those making the cut (Rounds 3 & 4) will be allowed entry at the Tournament Venue.
*Players can opt to carry/push their own bag. Players doing so must abide by the Rules & Regulations of the Host Club.
*Starter(s) will wear Mask, Face Shield and Gloves.
*Only scorecard and hole location/local rules sheet will be distributed on the tee.
They will be stapled together and given from the starter to the marker. There will be no exchange of paper between participants.
Also read: Aadil Bedi ends Udayan Mane’s run in longest domestic play-off
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