By Rahul Banerji
Defending champion Camille Chevalier of France leads an international cast for the $500,000 Hero Women’s Indian Open that gets under way at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon on Thursday.
Also in the field are 2011 champion Caroline Hedwall of Sweden, Australia’s Sarah Kemp and leading Ladies European Tour rookie this year, Swede Julia Engstrom.
The home challenge will be led by 2017 sixth-place finisher Vani Kapoor and also includes Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour Order of Merit leader Tvesa Malik.
Tvesa will be playing the event for the first time as a professional.
New feature
The trophy and a cheque of $75,000 awaits the winner of the tournament to be played over for days for the first time.
Speaking of her title hopes, Vani said, “I have been preparing hard. I was hit by tendinitis few days back but I am hoping to get over that.”
Vani, who has had an up and down season this year added, “This is my home course and I know it well, but as they say in golf, every shot is a new one and you never play the same shot again. Last one year has been one of great learning.”
For multiple home tour winner Tvesa, 22, it promises to be a learning experience. “It has been a great season and I am really looking forward to this event.
“I have played here often and know the course well and it is very challenging and is in great shape.”
Good prep
Chevalier, 25, who made four cuts in 10 starts in 2018, is looking for a turnaround. “I have been practicing at the Le National in France before coming here. That is not my home course, but is tough and great preparation for the HWIO.
“The rough is quite big there and as challenging as at this course. It was great winning last year and was a big moment for me. I am very excited to be back to defend the title.”
Kemp, 32, is still winless on LET, but has three top-5 finishes this year. The Australian was hopeful of hitting her stride at DLF. “It has been a solid season. So far so good and I am full of confidence.
“I love coming to India and I have been to Goa for holidays and I love the food here. The course is looking great and I will always love coming to India, because I like it so much.”
Boutier stars for Europe
Ahead of the main event, the Europeans won the Skills Challenge, beating a the Rest of the World side that included Vani and Tvesa 3-1.
The European team of Chevalier, Hedwall, Celine Boutier and Carly Booth were up against Beth Allen, Sarah Kemp, Vani and Tvesa.
Boutier, who already has one win this season on the LET, too twok of the four challenges, from the bunker and on the green.
Results:
Close to Pin from 90 yards: Camille Chevalier (Europe) – 12 inches from hole
Hit the Bike: Tvesa Malik (RoW) – 1 Strike
Bunker Shot: Celine Boutier (Europe) – 18 inches from hole
Long Putt: Celine Boutier (Europe) – 5.5 inches from hole
Also read: Tvesa Malik makes it a title hat-trick on WGAI Tour
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