· Emily Pedersen to defend her title at the US $ 400,000 event
· Brittany Lincicome, Beth Allen and Aditi Ashok among top contenders
· DLF Golf and Country Club to host the event from 11th to 13th November
Gurgaon, 9th November 2016: The signature Gary Player DLF Golf and Country Club is all set to host a star studded field including the likes of Emily Pedersen (Defending Champion),Brittany Lincicome (World No.40 + two major championships), Beth Allen (# 1 – LET OOM 2016 + Winner – Lacoste Ladies Open De France and Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open), Isabelle Boineau (#5 – LET OOM 2016 + Winner – Ladies Scottish Open) and Anne Van Dam(Winner – Xiamen International Open) from 11th to 13th November.
The US$ 400,000 event – co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour (LET) and the Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI) will see 114 top professionals from around the globe fighting for the top spot. Defending champion Emily Kristine Pedersen, who won her first LET title at last year’s Hero Women’s Indian Open, looks eager for an encore. However, it won’t be easy for the Dane and she is expected to face tough competition from Beth Allen, who is in excellent form after winning the last tournament in Abu Dhabi. Talking at the press conference, Emily said, “It feels great to be back. I won my maiden title here last year, so I have lots of good memories here. There are few changes on the course, its playing really well. 17th green is definitely bigger, so I am really looking forward to the tournament.
Another strong contender for the title is Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall. She has had a good run at the Hero Women’s Indian Open, winning it in 2011 followed by runner-up finish in 2012. She will look to draw inspiration from her past experience and will be keen to claim her first LET title of the year.
The flagship event will also see LPGA star and world number 40, Brittany Lincicome in action for the first time in India. The professional from U.S.A. has two Major Championships to her credit and has been a regular at the Solheim Cup since 2007. Brittany, who is known for her long hitting, will be keen to set the tournament on fire and will look to claim the coveted title and add another feather to her cap.
Mr.Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, said “It is heartening to see the Hero Women’s Indian Open in its landmark 10th edition. The participation of some of the best professionals from across the globe at this event will go a long way towards further popularising the game of golf in the country. This tournament is also an excellent platform for budding Indian players to showcase their talent against the best in the world. We look forward to a week of top class golf at the Hero Women’s Indian Open 2016.”
The Indian Challenge will be led by golfing sensation Aditi Ashok, Hero Order of Merit leader Amandeep Drall, and local professional Vani Kapoor. Aditi, playing as a rookie on the LET has had a dream run this year. She is currently placed third in the Rookie of the Year ranking after a series of top 10 finishes and will look to continue the good work. She also had a memorable outing at the Rio Olympics where she was also the youngest golfer in the fray. She said, “My form has been very good coming into the tournament. I have prepared well this time around. I have also had a few top 10 finishes and I feel that I have improved as a player since the beginning of the year. Hopefully, I will do well at my home event.”
Another player to look out for is Vani Kapoor. Vani finished tied fifth at the Hong Kong Ladies Open and is currently placed second in the Hero Order of Merit with total earnings of INR 9, 49,150 and six victories. She will be playing on her home turf at the DLF Golf and Country Club and will lead the charge of a strong Indian contingent along with Amandeep Drall.
Mrs. Kavita Singh, President of the WGAI, said “It gives us immense pleasure to host the landmark 10th edition of the Hero Women’s Indian Open. The tournament has grown over the years and I would like to thank our title sponsors Hero MotoCorp Ltd for supporting us. I would also like to thank DLF Ltd., the Ministry of Tourism, Yes Bank Ltd. and all our other sponsors. The Hero Women’s Indian Open has played a key role for the development of golf in the country and it has helped Indian golfers by giving them an opportunity to compete against the best in the world. On behalf of the Women’s Golf Association of India, I would also like to thank the Ladies European Tour for their continued support and we hope to witness yet another memorable event.”
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