Nassau: The Asian Tour has announced that India will host its first International Series event at the DLF Golf & Country Club from January 30 to February 2.

This event marks the beginning of two significant tournaments scheduled within a two-month timeframe in Gurugram, with the course also set to host the Hero Indian Open on the DP World Tour in the final week of March.

The International Series India is anticipated to attract several prominent LIV Golf players, including US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, making it the highest-rated tournament ever held in India. This event will take place independently of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), which is affiliated with the DP World Tour through a strategic partnership.

With a prize purse of $2 million, the tournament is expected to feature a limited field of 108 players due to the constraints of daylight during this period.

Anirban Lahiri, a participant in the LIV Golf series, expressed his belief that the tournament will significantly influence Indian golf. "If everything proceeds smoothly and Bryson is present, there will be countless individuals eager to catch a glimpse of him due to his remarkable transformation of our sport," he stated.

Lahiri reminisced about watching Arjun Atwal triumph at the Indian Open in 1999 at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club. "For us young enthusiasts at that time, who had limited exposure to global golf, it felt like a dream realized. We all aspired to emulate Arjun. With Bryson's substantial social media presence, every young golfer now wishes to drive the ball like him and embody his persona. The impact will be tremendous."

The Asian Tour makes its return to India after nearly two years, with the previous event, the DGC Open Presented by MasterCard, held in March 2023.

Cho Minn Thant, the Commissioner of the Asian Tour, remarked: “India has consistently represented a significant market for us. Our membership includes a substantial number of Indian members. We have hosted numerous tournaments in the country, and it is truly delightful to reintegrate India into our schedule where it rightfully belongs. We hope this marks the beginning of many future events in India.”

He further stated: “Currently, the Indian participants in the tournament will comprise Asian Tour members and invited players. There are several invitations available for DLF, the Asian Tour, and LIV Golf, and we are optimistic about achieving strong representation of Indian players in the competition.”

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