By Rahul Banerji
Hard on the heels of the drama of the 2018 Ryder Cup comes the second edition of the Rs 40 lakh Kensville Open which will be played at the Kensville Golf & Country Club from Tuesday.
The tournament will feature some of the top Indian professionals such as Mukesh Kumar, Amardip Malik, M. Dharma, Akshay Sharma, Aman Raj and Syed Saqib Ahmed, among ofhers.
International flavor comes from the presence of Sri Lankans Mithun Perera, Anura Rohana, and N. Thangaraja and Australian Kunal Bhasin.
The local challenge will be led by Ahmedabad-based players, professional Arshpreet Thind and amateur Lokinder Malik.
Said Sameer Sinha of Kensville GCC, “Gujarat has emerged as a major golfing destination in the last few years.
“We at Kensville seek to play a key role in further promoting the sport in the state through the staging of events such as the Kensville Open in partnership with the PGTI.”
Added PGTI chief executive Uttam Singh Mundy, “Positive trends continue on the PGTI as the last three events have seen new champions emerge.
“With the Kensville Open kicking off the final stretch of the season, the competition promises to get even more exciting as a number of young contenders will be vying for honours in the PGTI Order of Merit.”
Paris talk
Meanwhile, here is a selection of my favourite Ryder Cup quotes:
Sergio Garcia, speaking to Sky Sports: “What a week. It’s been a rough year, but we fought hard. I’m so thankful to Thomas Bjorn for believing in me. I’m so happy to get the cup back and in Paris and to enjoy it as much I did.”
Garcia, on beating Nick Faldo’s all-time Ryder Cup points record: “It means a lot but I’ve always said it’s about the team, and I’m happy I was able to help. It’s a bonus, it’s something that I would never have thought possible.”
European captain Thomas Bjorn, speaking to Sky Sports:”I’m probably a bit prouder today than I was on Thursday evening. It’s been easy – they’ve been amazing; all 12 of them have been unbelievable.
“They were so determined. They set out to do a job, so it was easy for me to guide them in that direction. They stood up to it. So many things have happened this week, so many great stories but it’s down to 12 players and them only.”
Ian Poulter, “The Postman” who always delivers at the Ryder Cup speaking to Sky Sports: “This is a special team. I was fortunate to get a pick as an old man to come and play and I helped out a bit. These boys were incredible though.
“In Europe we are a strong force and we knew we were the underdogs but that made us more determined.”
Rory McIlroy: “We’ve had this WhatsApp group going for a while which was one big love-in. That was a big part of it. We all get along so well.
“There’s something about this group of guys. There’s a continuity in our group that maybe the other side don’t quite have.”
Francesco Molinari, who came away with five points from five matches, the first European to do so: “My summer has been great, but it’s about these guys.
“I’ve been on tour winning things, doing a little bit and not a lot, my record was shocking coming into this week so statistically there was a good chance of winning some points.”
Rookie hero Tommy Fleetwood: “Just epic, epic, just look at the guys!! The best, nothing like it. It’s an overwhelming feeling and you have to go with it.”
Read also: Career-best round gives Akshay Sharma breakthrough win at QA InfoTech Open
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