The tree-lined narrow course of the Delhi Golf Club is ready to host the likes of Thidapa Suwannapura, Carlota Ciganda, Gwladys Nocera, Vani Kapoor and Sharmila Nicollet for the eighth edition of Hero Women's Indian Open to be held here from December 4 to 6.
The USD 300,000 event -- tri-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour (LET), the Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT) and Women's Golf Association of India (WGAI) -- will see 108 top professionals from around the globe fighting for the top spot.
Defending champion Suwannapura, who won her first LET title at the last year's Hero Women's Indian Open, looks eager for an encore.
However, it won't be easy for the Thailand pro as she is expected to face tough completion from Florentyna Parker (winner- Ladies Italian Open 2014), Connie Chen (winner - Tenerife Open de Espana 2014) and Sophie Gustafson.
Talking to the media, Thidapa said: "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 Hero Women's Indian Open 2014."
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.
Several new Asian stars as well have been born in the world of golf after the victory in India -- Taiwan's Tseng Ya Ni in 2007, Thailand's Pornanong Phatlum in 2008, 2009, 2012 and Thidapa Suwannapura last year.
The Indian challenge will be led by Vani Kapoor, who has been in dream form this season and is the winner of the Hero Order of Merit. She also finished third in the Mineks & Regnum Ladies Classic on the LET's Access Series recently.
Hero Motocorp sponsored Sharmila Nicollet, the only Indian to retain her LET card for two years, will be making a comeback from a toe injury and will look to make an impact.
