By Rahul Banerji
The Hero Women’s Indian Open, returns after 2019 to the DLF Golf and Country Club for its 13th edition from October 20 to 23.
Offering a prize purse of $400,000, India’s biggest women’s tournament is being played for the first time after 2019, with the pandemic taking away the two years in between,
A strong field of past champions and current winners from the Ladies European Tour have confirmed their entries including the exciting Linn Grant of Sweden, who has already won four times this season.
Big hitter Grant has also won thrice on South Africa’s Sunshine Tour and is expected to be a big draw at the event.
At least five past holders of the trophy have sent in their entries and more are expected.
Additionally, a host of winners in the 2021 and 2022 LET seasons will be seen in the 114-strong field which will see as many as 20 countries from around the world represented.
The field also includes Tokyo Olympics star Aditi Ashok, India’s first and only Hero Women’s Indian Open winner in 2016, who now plays on the LPGA.
Golden opportunity
The $400,000 event comes at the business end of the season and offers a chance for many to secure their status for 2023 or improve their ranking ahead of the next season.
All the top Indians led by Aditi have confirmed their participation.
The line-up includes Tvesa Malik, 19th on the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit last season, past LET winner and Deaflympics gold medallist Diksha Dagar, Amandeep Drall, and Vani Kapoor.
Other prominent Indians in the field include Thursday’s winner at the DLF course, Gaurika Bishnoi, Ridhima Dilawari, Pranavi Urs, and Neha Tripathi.
“The Hero Women’s Indian Open is one of the biggest and most popular golf tournaments in the region,, said Dr Pawan Munjal, chairman and CEO of Hero MotoCorp.
“We are delighted to be back, and I am pleased to know that some of the most talented names on the Tour will be here in India.
“Our women golfers are making rapid strides with some great performances on international tours. I would like to thank the LET and the Women’s Golf Association of India for their continued support to the event.”
Among past toppers who have sent in their entries are defending champion Christine Wolf, 2018 winner Becky Morgan, 2017 winner Camille Chevalier and 2011 winner Caroline Hedwall.
Champs galore
Other 2022 season winners include Anne Charlotte Mora (Aaland 100 Ladies Open 2022), Tiia Kovisto (Jabra Ladies Open), Ana Pelaez (Madrid Ladies Open) and Meghan Maclaren (Australian Ladies Classic – Bonville).
Amongst the host of rising Indian stars besides five-time domestic tour winner Pranavi are the Bakshi sisters, Hitaashee and Jahnavi, Seher Atwal besides former national champion Sneha Singh.
Her successor, Bangalore’s ever-improving Avani Prashanth, will be one of the amateurs in the 114-strong field.
“Our players are delighted to be returning to play in the competition at the fabulous DLF Golf and Country Club for the first time since 2019,” said LET chief executive Alexandra Armas.
“It is hugely important to us to have this iconic tournament up and running again.
“It is a first-class competitive opportunity for international players and enables Indian players to test themselves against the best on Tour and helps inspire the next generation to develop their passion.”
The Hero Women’s Indian Open was first held in 2007 and since 2010 it has been a part of the Ladies European Tour and is sponsored by Hero MotoCorp.
Also read: Pranavi blitzes HGA field for season’s fifth Hero WPGT title
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