Carlos Ortiz, Joaquin Niemann, Sebastian Munoz answer the media about competing in the International Series tournament at the DLF Club in Gurugram on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: Kamesh Srinivasan
Bryson DeChambeau, the reigning US Open champion, may be the star attraction, but it was the DLF Golf course that won all the admiration, as players got a feel of the course in preparation of the $2 million International Series event here on Tuesday.
“Wasn’t expecting such a beauty. It is awesome,” said Sebastian Munoz of Colombia, in an interaction with the media.
Anirban Lahiri had made an earnest effort to convince the best of players from around the world to make the trip to India for the event, nicely slotted at the start of the season, and the stars expressed their appreciation for him both as a player and a person.
“Anirban convinced us to come here. He didn’t disappoint,” said Joaquin Niemann, who had won two titles on the PGA tour before joining the LIV Golf.
As champion SSP Chawrasia put it, the course could be challenging, as it is not just about hitting long at the DLF. The fast and firm greens could pose some serious challenge even for the best.
“Am excited to be here. The course being difficult or easy, depends on how well you play”, said Carlos Ortiz from Mexico.
For Chawrasia himself it was good to be back at the DLF and play an event in such a strong field.
“Am looking forward to playing my best,” said Chawrasia.
“It is a fantastic tournament. Puts us on the golf map. People will get to see the course. It is good for Indian golf. Really fun to play”, said Rahil Gangjee.
The praise for Bryson was unanimous, as the two-time Major champion was seen to be getting more people to watch golf around the world.
“He is doing what Tiger Woods had done to the game. I want to see him hit the ball”, said Gangjee.
“Bryson has changed he way people watch golf. He is the guy to watch when he plays well”, said Ortiz.
“A lot of people come to the course to watch Bryson play. Indian people can enjoy his game,” said Niemann.
The players had the novel experience of hitting the ball from the 22nd floor of a building near the course, and were quite excited about it.
With a high number of top players in action, in the beautifully challenging course, it should be an exciting fare from Thursday.
= = = EOM
Published – January 28, 2025 06:40 pm IST
