Local golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar will be aiming to play his way into the history books by becoming the champion at the 50th Indian Open next month, an event he calls as his "fifth Major".
The 26-year-old, currently third on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit, will be fired up to produce a winning performance at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) here Nov 7-10 when the Indian national championship celebrates its golden edition.
He will be among the home stars who include Arjun Atwal, Anirban Lahiri and Jyoti Randhawa, who will be keen to wrest the title away from defending champion Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand.
"I think it's a great achievement that the Indian Open has gone so far ahead. It's one of the strongest events on the Asian Tour and everybody looks forward to playing at the DGC. It'll be a good achievement for me to play in the 50th edition and DGC is always one of my favourite courses. I've been in contention there a few times and I'm looking forward to play there again," said Bhullar.
Bhullar recalls watching his first Indian Open when Randhawa, who is a three-time champion, triumphed at the DGC.
"When I was about 13, I pretty much remembered Jyoti winning the Indian Open. At that time, we could only dream of playing on the Asian Tour and now we are on the Asian Tour," said Bhullar, who is a four-time winner on the Asian Tour.
"It's a great achievement for us. The Indian Open is the fifth major for us. All the hopes are definitely positive and I'll be giving it 100 percent. It'll mean a lot if I can win it. You'll go into the history books."
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"I'm not sure I'll be alive to see the 100th Indian Open. Everyone would certainly remember the 50th champion. These are the things that players want to strive for," he added.
"DGC is a name that scares a lot of foreign players. But for us, we are from that golf course. We've found a way to play there. I've had decent finishes over the years, I've been in contention a few times but I've never got the opportunity to win. This time, I'm feeling really positive. I'm striking the ball good and if my putter becomes friendly, I'm sure I'll be right up there."