Gurugram: “It’s all about speed, speed, speed,” chuckled the experienced Rahil Gangjee. At 46, after finishing second in last year’s PGTI Order of Merit, he’s probably wondering what kind of challenges the tough DLF Golf and Country Club will present during this week’s International Series India event.

Just three months ago, the course had a strong lineup of players at the Hero Women’s Indian Open feeling frustrated. Throughout the tournament, they struggled with the incredibly fast greens, describing the course as “unplayable” and “brutal.” The winning score ended up being just 2-under.

Men’s golf, of course, leans heavily on power. Interest has surged, especially with Bryson DeChambeau in the mix, who has amazed everyone by making many courses feel shorter for him.

With last year’s US Open champ yet to shine here, other players are already recognizing the potential challenges the course might bring.

“This is an amazing course that’s always in top shape, and this week is no different. The greens are quick, and the conditions are tough, which is what makes this tournament so exciting,” Gangjee shared with reporters on Tuesday. After getting a feel for the course on Monday afternoon, he emphasized that success hinges on execution and the right mindset.

“You really need to lean into your strengths on a course like this. Stay aggressive and keep a positive attitude. It all boils down to how well you can execute your shots.

“Yesterday (Monday), I was on the 15th hole, which is probably the longest one out there. I barely made it to the fairway with my driver. I had to use a hybrid and then a nine iron to reach the green, but I still managed to make a birdie. It’s all about your mindset on each hole.

“If you let it get to you, you’re finished. But if you maintain a positive outlook, you’ve got a solid shot at winning.”

Next to him, SSP Chawrasia, the last Indian to take home a win at DLF, agreed. Known for his sharp short game, Chawrasia believes the course will challenge every part of the game – from chipping to putting to driving.

“I don’t think hitting it long is a game changer anymore, given the distances we can achieve and the gear we use. In the end, it’s going to be about who has the most well-rounded game,” he mentioned.

The preparations for the course kicked off around 45 days ago when they got ryegrass seeds from the US. Unlike Bermuda grass, which isn’t great for winter, ryegrass is tough and holds up well. It’s known for its smooth feel and grows best in temperatures between 12-22°C.

Local golfers like Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri are well aware of the challenges the DLF course presents. “People often think this course is only for big hitters, but that’s not the case. It’s not just about power; you need a solid all-around game to do well here,” Sharma pointed out.

Lahiri, who competes on the LIV Golf Tour with DeChambeau for Crushers GC, chimed in: “Let’s not forget that Bryson has an amazing short game, which will definitely be useful at the DLF.”

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann is one of the players set to take on DeChambeau in the first of 10 LIV Golf-supported events on the Asian Tour this season.

A solid course should push players and test every part of the game. We want it to be challenging but not impossible; it’s designed to be tough. Given the type of course we’ve created here, it’s only right that it provides a proper challenge, said Tusch Daroga, vice-president of DLF Golf and Country Club.

The International Series is a fantastic chance for young amateur Kartik Singh, just 15, who can hardly believe he’ll be playing alongside the pros he grew up idolizing. “Tiger Woods is my ultimate hero, but I’d love to play with Bryson. He’s such a cool guy,” he shared.

The local talent, who tackled the front nine on Tuesday, feels the course is already playing “super tough.”

“When it comes to difficulty and the speed of the greens, I think DLF ranks among the hardest courses globally. My strategy is simple: hit the fairway, get on the green, and aim for two-putts. Scoring pars is a solid achievement on this kind of layout.”

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