The tree-lined narrow Delhi Golf Club (DGC) course is ready to host the likes of Thidapa Suwannapura, Carlota Ciganda, Gwladys Nocera, Vani Kapoor and Sharmila Nicollet for the eighth edition of the Hero Women's Indian Open to be held here Dec 4-6.
The $300,000 event, tri-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour (LET), Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT) and Women's Golf Association of India (WGAI), will see 108 professionals from around the globe fighting for the top spot.
Defending champion Thidapa, who won her first LET title at last year's Women's Indian Open, looks eager for an encore. However, it won't be easy for the Thailand pro who expects tough completion from Florentyna Parker (2014 Ladies Italian Open winner), Connie Chen (2014 Tenerife Open de Espana winner) and Sophie Gustafson.
"I am very happy to be back in India. I have some fond memories at DGC. I won my first LET title last year at this very event so I am looking forward to the 2014 edition," Thidapa said.
With the tournament scheduled towards the end of the year, a lot of interesting dynamics will be at play among the top players who are also eying the win carrying with it an exemption to play at the LET.
The Indian challenge will be led by Vani, who has been in dream form this season and is the Order of Merit winner. She also finished third in the Mineks & Regnum Ladies Classic on the LET's Access Series recently.
The only Indian to retain her LET card for two years, Sharmila will be making a comeback from a toe injury and will look to make an impact.
"It's been a tough year for me. I have struggled with injuries but thankfully I am recovering now and working on my game. It's good to be back for Women's Indian Open at DGC. I am giving my best and hoping for results," said Sharmila.
Another golfer to look out for is Delhi's Gauri Monga, who put up a stellar performance last year to finish T5 and is playing her first tournament as professional.
Some changes have been made to the course this year. The par score has been set at 73 and the course length has also been reduced by over a hundred yards to deal with restricted daylight hours.
