Bhullar gives Aiken a run for money, but still finishes second at Avantha Masters

 Thomas Aiken receiving the Avantha Masters Trophy  

Gaganjeet Bhullar

Greater NOIDA, March 17, 2013: Gaganjeet Bhullar waged a magnificent battle with a stunning eight-under 64, the best card of the final day, but still lost by three shots to the steady Thomas Aiken of South Africa at the Avantha Masters in Jaypee Greens Resort Golf Club.

The 29-year-old Aiken shot a bogeyfree 67 on the heels of a superb 62 on third day and totaled a superb 23-under 265, while Bhullar, who had predicted a 20-under total for a win, did reach that but was still well short.

It was the Aiken’s second European Tour title, while Bhullar achieved his best ever European Tour results, but that will carry him to he top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Aiken’s performance on Saturday for a 62 was a ball-striking masterclass and on Sunday he carried on and carded a 67.

Bhullar waged a strong challenge, and so did China’s Liang Wen-chong (69), who also had the tournament’s only hole-in-one par-3 seventh. Liang finished at 18-under with the final round including five birdies, two bogeys, one double bogey and one ace.

Kiradech Aphinbarnrat (69) also posed a challenge at one stage, but Aiken stayed steady, and the Thai ended at 17-under in fourth place.

Bhullar apart, Himmat Rai (65) had the day’s second best round and finished in a tie for ninth place at 14-under.

Among other Indians, Jeev Milkha Singh (71), Rahil Gangjee (71) and Anirban Lahiri (71) ended in a tie for 23rd, while Jyoti Randhawa (70) was tied 29th. Rashid Khan cracked an error-free 66 and ended in a tie for tied 34th at nine-under.

Aiken said, “I’ve been playing very nicely the last four months, not making a lot of mistakes, but just not sinking enough putts.”

 “This week a few went in, I hit some better iron shots which gave me a better chance to sink some putts, and I played some phenomenal golf.”

Bhullar said, “I was actually worried before this week and then I spoke to my coach. We worked on some of the mistakes I was making. We exchanged swing videos and he told me what to do. The trick today was the way my putting worked. I got off to a great start with three birdies and an eagle on fifth. It gave me the momentum that I needed.”

“I wanted to try for a win and my caddie kept motivating me. Basically no one remembers the second place guy after sometime. It is only the winner who stays in the history books. Being second or 40th does not matter. For instance my friends, fans and some may remember I was second here, but Thomas Aiken’s name will be there in the books,” he added.

Bhullar continued, “So I went for the flag on the 14th and was rewarded with a birdie. I had another 40-feet conversion on the 17th. However, I couldn’t catch up with Thomas who played a fabulous round. Aiken putted better and that made all the difference.  Thomas was simply superb. And then he holed a fine birdie to finish in style.”

Bhullar came with an aggressive plan as he revealed, “The plan was to hit 14 fairways and 18 greens and make all putts in order to have a chance. I thought I’d give it hundred per cent when I started today. I was aggressive at the start and it paid off with birdies on the first three holes and an eagle on the fifth. I drove the green on the fifth for the third successive day and followed it up with a 40-feet putt.”

But he was put back by a bogey on eighth. “The bogey on the eighth came at the wrong time for me as I pulled my drive into the trees. I then sank birdies on the 10th, 14th, 15th and 17th,” he added.

If Aiken’s brilliant third round was the catalyst for victory, there was still plenty of work to do on the final day.

Bhullar came flying out of the blocks, and looked as though he may add a European Tour title to the Challenge Tour victory he recorded on home soil two years ago when he followed birdies at the first three holes with an eagle at the 356 yard par four fifth after driving the green.

Aiken’s playing partner Liang also closed in with birdies at the second and fourth, but the 2011 Open de España winner responded by holing a six footer at the second to remain two clear.

Aiken knocked in an eight footer at the fifth to go to 20 under, and when Bhullar bogeyed the eighth and Liang double-crossed his tee shot right into bushes at the sixth, took a penalty drop, and eventually three-putted for a double bogey, the South African was four ahead.

However, as quickly as Liang’s title chances looked to have evaporated they reignited with an eight iron ace at the short seventh which halved the deficit.

Bhullar birdied three of the last five to set the clubhouse target at 20 under par, but Aiken completed regulation birdies on both par fives on the back nine – he almost eagled both – then sunk a 20-footer across the final green for a fitting finale.

“These guys kept coming at me today – Liang on the front nine and then Bhullar made some amazing birdies coming in,” added Aiken. “It was by no means a walk in the park.

“I want to dedicate this to my wife Kate – being the wife of a sportsman is not easy and she supports me so much, so this one’s for you Kate.”

Bhullar’s brilliant 64 gave him second, with Liang two shots further back in third following a 69.

“I had a great week in India,” said Liang, whose only European Tour victory remains the 2007 Singapore Masters.  “Although I did not win, I learnt a lot about myself, especially today. To card a double-bogey on the sixth and make a comeback with a hole-in-one on the next hole showed lots of character. 

“Unfortunately I could not make as many putts as I would to, but that’s golf. You win some and you lose some. I tried my best and that’s all I can ever ask for.”

Press release

Aiken takes three-shot lead into the final day of Avantha Masters

 Thomas Aiken

Greater NOIDA, March 16, 2013: Thomas Aiken, who chose golf ahead of cricket and tennis, because it offered better scenery, could enjoy it even more on Sunday as he grabbed a three-shot lead going into the final day of the Avantha Masters at the Jaypee Greens Resort. His three-shot lead in a tournament that has been very tight thus, indicated that the lovely Avantha Masters could once again be headed to South Africa for the second year running, taking over from Jbe Kruger, who missed the cut on Friday.

Aiken, a competent fast bowler at the provincial level, was also proficient in tennis in his mid-teens. He finally opted for golf and is now beginning to reap the benefits of the sport, besides enjoying the sights it brings with it.

Firing eight birdies and an eagle in a stunning 10-under round, bettered only by the 61 on first day Chinnarat Phadungsil, Aiken is now 18-under and three clear of the overnight co-leader Liang Wen-chong ((69). Kiradech Aphibarnrat, playing two groups ahead of Aiken also had a 30 for front nine like the South African, but he managed only a 36 with one eagle and two bogeys on back nine, while Aiken shot 32. Kiradech, whose only win on Asian Tour, came at SAIL Open in 2011, is now tied third with David Drysdale (68) at 14-under while big-hitting Scott Hend (68) was tied fifth with Joonas Granberg (69) and Tommy Fleetwood (69) at 13-under.

Gaganjeet Bhullar moved up to tied eighth as the top Indian following a flawless five-under 67 that brought him to 12-under for the week, six behind Aiken. Bhullar, who had 17 greens admitted his round was better today but felt he need to putt better to further move up.

Jeev Milkha Singh with six birdies and three bogeys shot 69 and was tied 17^th at 10-under.

Anirban Lahiri (70) and Rahil Gangjee (72) were tied 23rd at nine-under, while Jyoti Randhawa (68) showed glimpses of his old form and moved to eight-under in tied 32^nd.

Abhijit Chadha was unable to conjure up the same magic as first two days and dropped four shots in last five holes and ended with a 74 that saw him drop to tied 37^th, alongside Himmat Rai (68), Ashok Kumar (70) at seven-under. Manav Jaini (69) was tied 45^th at six-under.

Aiken’s iron play was spellbinding as he moved from four behind to three in front. “I concentrated very hard to play one shot at a time and it seemed to work,” said Aiken. “It just shows what can happen. I got off to a great start - holing a pitch shot on the second for eagle always helps - and from then on I just stuck to my game plan. All in all I’m very pleased with the way I played.” Having also birdied the first, Aiken’s slice of fortune on the second saw him three under through two holes.

Some sensational approach play allowed him to birdie the fifth, seventh, eighth, tenth and 11th without having to make a putt of more than ten feet, and after being briefly caught by Kiradech Aphibarnrat, the 29 year old responded with a two-putt birdie at the long 15th and a 12 foot gain at the next.

Aiken, whose only European Tour win was the 2011 Open de Espana, said, “I’ve been playing very well the last four months and just haven’t converted opportunities.” This season his best has been tied sixth at the Joburg Open.

“Fortunately this week I’ve converted a lot of the opportunities that I’ve had; the majority of them have gone in from inside ten feet and that’s what makes the difference from a scoring point of view.”

India’s top man this week thus far, Bhullar said, “It was much better than previous two days. I have been hitting the ball consistently well, and even finding a lot of greens. I had a lot of greens in regulation. It was 17 yesterday and again 17 today. I missed only one green in regulation today. But the putts have not fallen. However, it was better today as compared to the first two days.”

On the takeaways from the second round, Bhullar added, “But the positive I am taking from today’s round is that I had no bogeys. Anytime you shoot four-five birdies and no bogeys it feels good. Today on the 8^th, I had superb 40-50 footer for birdie and then on the par-5 15^th, I was sitting on six-foot eagle, but I just missed it closely. I used a 3-Wood and 3-Iron and landed within six feet. I had earlier birdied the par-5 12^th.”

Jeev had mixed feelings as he said, “I am getting the birdies alright, but I am also dropping too many bogeys. In three days I have dropped eight bogeys and that’s just too much. I had as many as six birdies today, but I gave back three of them. On the first day seven birdies and I dropped three bogeys. So, that tells you the story. Maybe, I am getting very aggressive on this course. But that’s also what is required because the course if there for the taking. Every now and then someone is going really deep and low.”

Overnight joint-leader Liang is closest to Aiken following a 69. Liang was  left him 15 under - the Chinese star’s efforts undone by two bogeys on the front nine after missing putts from inside two feet.

Thailand’s Aphibarnrat, who briefly held a share of the lead when he splashed in from a bunker for an eagle at the long 12th, and Scotland’s David Drysdale are tied for third on 14 under after both dropped shots late in the day.

Aphibarnrat had also raced to the turn in 30 with six birdies in eight holes, but bogeyed the tenth after missing a three-footer for par.

Press release

Chadha, Gangjee seventh; Liang, Chapchai in lead

 Chapchai Nirat

Liang Wen-chong

Greater Noida, India, March 15, 2013: There was a very strong Asian touch to the leaderboard as Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat and China’s Liang Wen-chong, added second successive and matching 66s to share the halfway lead at the €1.8 million (approximately US$2.3 million) Avantha Masters on Friday at the to lead at the Jaypee Greens Golf Course.

Right on the leading duo’s heels was the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand, as he carded a 68 to share third place alongside Scotland’s David Drysdale, England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Finland’s Joonas Granberg. The quartet was two shots behind the leaders, who were at 12-under-par 132 and the foursome following them was at 10-under.

The bunch for tied seventh at nine-under included young Indian Abhijit Chadha, who was once again not overawed by the big stage. He carded a neat three-under 69 that included one bogey, his only one in the past 36 holes. Also tied with him was a Rahil Gangjee, whose flawless 66 carried to nine-under and gave him a shot at the title he missed narrowly in 2010, when he shared a seven-way lead after 54 holes before faltering in the final round.

First-round leader Thai Chinnarat Phadungsil, who shot 11-under on first day was five-over after 10 holes, before three birdies in the last saved him the blushes and brought him to 74  and at seven-under he was tied seventh.

Fourteen Indians made the cut and it was one of the highest-ever by Indians in an European Tour event.

Apart from Chadha and Gangjee, Jeev Milkha Singh (69-68), Anirban Lahiri (68-69) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (68-69) ere tied at 20th at seven-under. Ashok Kumar (68-71) was 28th at five-under, while Jyoti Randhawa (70-70), Rashid Khan (67-73) and SSP Chowrasia (68-72) were tied 39th, Himmat Rai (70-71), Manav Jaini (70-71), Vikrant Chopra (72-69), Ajeetesh Sandhu (72-69) and Mukesh Kumar (72-69) were tied 56th and on the cut line, which fell at thee-under.

Prominent Indians to miss the cut were Shamim Khan (77-66), Chiragh Kumar (72-71), Khalin Joshi (73-70) and Shiv Kapur (72-72).

Missing the cut among leading stars was Edoardo Molinari (72-70), Anders Hansen (73-69), Gregory Bourdy (74-68), Simon Dyson (73-70) Daniel Chopra (73-71), Thomas Levet (72-73), and Colin Montgomerie (76-76).

Chapchai was delighted that his booming drives played a key role in putting him into contention. “I played very well indeed. This is a very long course and I managed to hit the balls long the last two days. I also managed to hole several long putts as well and luck did play a part in getting me into my position today,” said the three-time Asian Tour winner.

Liang showed why he is still one of China’s best players when he found himself back on familiar ground atop the leaderboard.

“I had a good break with my family and I feel all recharged now. I’ve learnt to stay patient and my playing experience from all over the world has taught me well,” said Liang.

Chadha, who has shown great poise and character in the first two rounds, admitted that interactions with Jeev Milkha Singh have helped. The youngster said, “In Chandigarh I train with Jesse Grewal and I often talk to Jeev Milkha Singh when he is around and we also play sometimes. Then Amritinder Singh (Jeev’s swing coach) is also in Chandigarh. They have so much experience. I have learnt from them.

Gangjee was the best performing Indian after he returned with a flawless 66. “I am feeling relaxed and hitting the ball well, so let’s see how it goes over the weekend,” said Gangjee.

“I’ve hit it close on both days. I converted a few more putts today as compared to round one. I sank a dramatic 50-footer for birdie on the third where the ball hit the hole, jumped out and fell in. There were no destructive shots today,” added the Indian.

Press release

Chinnarat scorches the course for 11-under card

Thailand’s Chinnarat Phadungsil

Greater Noida, India, March 14: Thailand’s Chinnarat Phadungsil took ample advantage of the ideal scoring conditions, scorching the Jaypee Greens Golf Course for an 11-under 61 that include a sensational eight birdies on the back nine on the first day of the Avantha Masters 2013. It gave him a huge five-shot lead over a bunch of five players that included yet another talented young Indian, Abhijit Chadha, who shot a bogey free six-under 66 in the €1.8 million (approximately US$2.3 million) event, tri-sanctioned by European, Asian and PGTI Tours.

Though Chinnarat led the field, the home challenge had a decent enough start.

Among the other prominent Indians, Chadha’s 2010 Asian Games teammate, Rashid Khan shot 67, while former champion SSP Chowrasia, Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Ashok Kumar carded 68 each, while Rahil Gangjee and Jeev Milkha Singh brought in 69 apiece.

Chinnarat, 25, a three-time winner on the Asian Tour, who won his first title beating India’s Shiv Kapur in a play-off in Thailand in 2005, had just 22 putts. Back in 2005, Chinnarat had become the youngest winner on the Asian Tour at 17 years and five days.

He was only one shot away from equalling the Asian Tour’s low 18-hole score record. The five players tied in second place included Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat and current Order of Merit leader Chawalit Plaphol, Chadha, China’s Liang Wen-chong and Sweden’s Magnus A Carlsson who signed for matching 66s.

“It’s my best-ever round! My previous best was a nine-under par in China in 2007. So it’s definitely a great feeling today,” said Chinnarat.

Chinnarat had three birdies to reach the turn in 33. Then he exploded into action with seven birdies in a row. He was 10-under when he came to the 220-yard long par-3 17th tee. “I had a very long putt and managed two putts for a par,” said Chinnarat.

“On the front nine I was hitting a lot of hook shots, so my putter really saved me. But on the back nine, I drove the ball better and my irons were also better, so that’s the reason why I scored so well,” said Chinnarat.

Local hope Chadha brought the early cheers in the morning when he finished as the clubhouse leader then. Chadha, 21, was presented the PGTI Rookie of the Year Award on Wednesday and is excited about his prospects this week.

“I’m feeling really good about this week. I was just raring to go and get on with it. I just want to go out and play. I like this golf course as it suits my game. Winning the title last year on the PGTI was a good feeling,” said Chadha, who marked his flawless card with six birdies.

Liang, who earned the distinction of being the first mainland Chinese to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2007, continued his love affair with India when he returned with a 66 to continue his push for his third Asian Tour victory.

The Chinese last win on the Asian Tour was in India where he carded a 12-under-par 60 to set a new low 18-hole score in the opening round of the Indian Open in 2008.

Abhijit Chadha emerges from amateur ranks, lies tied second

Abhijit Chadha 

GREATER NOIDA, March 14, 2013: Wearing his favourite Augusta Masters T-shirt, Abhijit Chadha underlined his potential with a flawless six-under 66 a day after being honoured as the ‘Emerging Player of the Indian PGTI Tour for 2012’. The big-hitting 21-year-old Chadha is tied second place behind the rampaging Thai Chinnarat Phadungsil, who shot a sensational 11-under 61 on the first day of the Avantha Masters.

Chadha was tied second in the company of former Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, Liang Wenchong, two other Thais, Chapchai Nirat, who holds the world of 32-under recorded in 2009 SAIL open, and Chawalit Plaphol, winner of the opening event on 2013 Asian Tour, and Swede Magnus Carlsson.

Among the other prominent Indians, Chadha’s 2010 Asian Games teammate, Rashid Khan shot 67, while former champion SSP Chowrasia, Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Ashok Kumar carded 68 each, while Rahil Gangjee and Jeev Milkha Singh brought in 69 apiece.

Chadha, son a Chandigarh-based businessman, is coached by Jesse Grewal, who also trains many other leading pros including Himmat Rai.

Chadha said, “The putter was hot today. I holed almost everything. I made a 40-footer for birdie on the 16th and converted two 25-feet birdie putts on the sixth and ninth. I hit it given from the edge to set up a birdie on the 15th. I also had a fantastic par save on the par-3 17th with a good up and down.”

Speaking of the Augusta Masters shirt he wore, Chadha smiled and added, “That’s the one (Masters) I want to win. It is my big dream and it is my favourite shirt.”

For the present, he was happy with six birdies and the way he played. He added, “I hit it long so this course suits my game. My average driving distance is 300 yards and with my new driver I’ve been smoking it and hitting it even further. The conditions were quite tough in the morning with the swirling wind so I’m all the more pleased with my six-under.”

Chadha, said, “I don’t feel the pressure of playing the Avantha Masters for the first time. The experience of playing many big international events during my amateur days has really helped me. As an amateur I played a lot of events overseas as part of the Indian team.”

But he did add, “It’s the first time I’m playing in an event sanctioned with the European Tour. I’ve got no experience at all. I’ve played a couple of events on the Asian Tour. Playing with the big players really gives you lots of confidence.”

Chadha played in a local event recently besides the two rounds he played during the trials for the selection of the 2010 Asian Games team. “We just had a tournament (LP Cup) last month. I played six rounds then and that obviously helps. Also I played the Asian Games trials here in 2010.”

The key for Chadha now is to hang in and not let the pressure get to him.

Press release

Clinics by Golf Foundation and Emirates attract keen youngsters

GREATER NOIDA, March 14, 2013: Two sets of youngsters from different backgrounds benefited from the clinics held on the first day of the Avantha Masters at Jaypee Greens Golf resort.

India’s leading professionals Gaurav Ghei and Anirban Lahiri, both three-time winners on the Asian Tour, conducted the Emirates Clinic and then Thomas Levet, a six-time European Tour winner and Ryder Cup player conducted the second one for the Golf Foundation.

About 15 kids between the ages of six and 15 from various backgrounds turned up for the Golf Foundation clinic with Levet, who showed them a lot of trick shots and also gave tips on the basic aspects of the game.

Levet said, “Some of these youngsters have a lot of potential and they seemed so keen. Many of them have got their basics right, which is very good.” Many of them had won titles in age-group competitions and the most prominent, Shubham, son of a milkman, learnt golf from videos on the Internet and has won over 60 tournaments in the last 2 years.

Earlier nearly 30 children from the National Capital region, many of whom train at the Jaypee Greens Golf Resort, attended the Emirates Clinic conducted by Ghei and Lahiri, both three-time Asian tour winners.

The youngsters were shown various nuances of the game and given tips on driving, putting, chipping and bunker shots. “It is amazing to see how keen these youngsters are. Some of them are really very good for their age. They have a great future,” said Ghei.

Lahiri, winner of the SAIL-SBI Open last week, added, “These kids have a lot of opportunities and they are willing to work at it. I am sure some of the kids we saw today will be the champions of the future.”

Emirates Quiz contest

Emirates is also running a quiz where guests enter the quiz using iPads at the booth to stand a chance to win 2 business class tickets to Dubai. Emirates Skywards members who come to the booth and produce their Skywards Membership card will get a special gift from the airline. Any golfer who hits a hole in one at Hole 17 will win two business class tickets to any of the 130 destinations on the Emirates Network.

Press release

Chowrasia eyes Avantha Masters double

Greater Noida, March 4, 2013:  SSP Chowrasia has targeted another entry into the history books with a second success in the Avantha Masters. Chowrasia became the first Indian to win a European Tour event on home soil – and only the third, after Arjuna Atwal and Jeev Milkha Singh, to win one anywhere – when he captured the EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters title in 2008.

It was a real rags-to-riches tale for the self-taught 34-year-old, who used to sneak onto the course at night to play a few holes at Royal Calcutta Golf Club, where he worked as a caddie and his father was a greenkeeper.

Three years later, thanks chiefly to his razor sharp short game – which earned him the nickname “Chipputtsia” – he repeated the feat in the Avantha Masters, sparking jubilant scenes at DLF Golf & Country Club.

Chowrasia, whose full name is Shiv Shankar Prasad, will now go in search of a hat-trick of European Tour titles when the fourth edition of the €1.8million event takes place from March 14-17 at Jaypee Greens, in Greater Noida, India.  

   

He said: “I’m very excited about playing the Avantha Masters – I’m sure the tournament will be a great success. It’s the one all the Indian players want to win, and hopefully I can come out on top again.

“I’ve played Jaypee Greens many times, so I know what to expect. The fairways are quite wide, so unless the rough is very thick I think the scoring will be quite low. There is also a Golf Academy there which has a great driving range and practice facilities for the amateurs and us pros, so it’s a great venue for the tournament.”

Chowrasia has fond memories of his Avantha Masters triumph in 2011, when he overhauled overnight leader Robert Coles with a round of 67 on the final day to prevail by a single stroke.

Having subsequently finished 80th in The Race to Dubai that season and 97th last year, Chowrasia has since established himself on The European Tour and has now set his sights on securing a place in the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai at the end of the season.

He said: “After my win in 2011, I thought I could do anything. Winning once on The European Tour is one thing; but if you then win again, it shows it wasn’t down to luck the first time. I feel like I’m now a much better player than I was when I won for the first time in 2008. Playing in different conditions on different courses and against better players has definitely improved my game.

“Because of that, my confidence is now much higher than it was before. In my first season on Tour in 2009, I wasn’t ready at all – but not anymore. I’ve played in some very big tournaments this year and down quite well in all of them, especially [finishing tied 17th] in Abu Dhabi. So hopefully this year can be my best yet, and I can make it to Dubai at the end of the season.”

Chowrasia will face a strong international field at Jaypee Greens GC, with European Tour winners Simon Dyson, Søren Kjeldsen, Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Levet and the defending champion Jbe’ Kruger all confirmed in the star-studded line-up.

Press release

Thongchai Jaidee among super stars to participate at Avantha Masters

Greater NOIDA, March 2, 2013:  Three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand will be looking to reignite his winning ambitions when he tees up at the €1.8million Avantha Masters at the Jaypee Greens Golf Course from March 14-17.

The Thai star, currently ranked 58th in the world, has enjoyed a flying start to his 2013 campaign with three successive top-10s in South Africa and the Middle East.

The local charge will be spearheaded by Jeev Milkha Singh, Asia’s number one in 2006 and 2008 as well as Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar who have a combined total of six Asian Tour victories. 

The 43-year-old Thongchai also enjoyed a memorable 2012 campaign when he notched his first victory on European soil with his triumph at the ISPS Handa Wales Open.

A second win in India could be timely for Thongchai as his last win in the subcontinent came in 2001 at the Indian Open.

 “I’m looking forward to going back to India to compete at the Avantha Masters. I’ve been playing well since the start of the year and hoping my good form will translate into a win for me,” said Thongchai who holds an unprecedented three Merit crowns and 13 titles in Asia.

Thongchai suffered a setback when he was knocked out by Spain’s Sergio Garcia in the first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play championship last month.

But he is expected to bounce back and shoot for more glory when the Avantha Masters, which is tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), gets underway.

“That’s golf. You cannot expect to win all the time but the most important is to bounce back and get ready for your next tournament,” said Thongchai.

Other Asian Tour stars expected to vie for top honours include Singapore’s Mardan Mamat, a three-time Asian Tour winner, Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg, Australia’s Scott Hend and Korean-American David Lipsky.

The Avantha Masters will be played at a new venue this year with the event being staged at the Greg Norman-designed Jaypee Greens Golf Course, in Greater Noida near Delhi, India.

The course features 14 water hazards and 88 bunkers and, at 7,347 yards, is India’s longest golf course.

Press release

Montgomerie makes Avantha Masters debut

Greater NOIDA, February 26, 2013:  Colin Montgomerie, the most prolific British winner in European Tour history, will make his first appearance in the Avantha Masters when the €1.8million event takes place from March 14 to 17.

The Scot, who captained Europe to Ryder Cup glory in 2010, has won 31 European Tour titles – two of them in Asia – in an illustrious career, and will now hope to add to his impressive tally when the fourth edition of the Avantha Masters is held at a new venue, Jaypee Greens Golf Course, Greater Noida, India.      

Montgomerie said: “India is unquestionably one of the world’s biggest growth areas for golf, so I’m really looking forward to teeing up in the Avantha Masters. Having recently added a project in Goa to my golf course design portfolio, I hope to play my part in the development of the game in India.

“Whenever I have visited this fascinating country in the past, I have always found the people to be both very friendly and enthusiastic about golf. Hopefully the crowds will come along to support the tournament, and show that golf in India is enjoying a real popularity boom.”       

Montgomerie is the latest in a long line of European Tour champions to confirm their attendance in the Avantha Masters, which will again be tri-sanctioned by The European Tour, the Asian Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).

The eight-time winner of Europe’s Money List will be joined in New Delhi by England’s Simon Dyson, Denmark’s Søren Kjeldsen and Frenchman Thomas Levet, who between them have captured a total of 15 European Tour titles.        

Padamjit Singh Sandhu, director of the PGTI, said: “The presence of a legend like Colin Montgomerie is an affirmation that Indian golf is going in the right direction. The Avantha Masters has established itself as a premium event on The European Tour International Schedule, and the new dates have enabled leading players to add the tournament to their schedules.

“I am sure more big names will confirm in the next few days. We are looking forward to one of the strongest fields ever assembled for a tournament in India, and that should provide for a great week of golf.”

Press release

Avantha Masters finds a New Home in 2013

New Delhi, January 30, 2013: The Avantha Masters will be played at a new venue and on a different date in 2013 when the fourth edition of the tournament is held from March 14-17 at the Greg Norman-designed Jaypee Greens Golf Course, in Greater Noida near Delhi.

The demanding 7,347 yards, par 72 championship course at Jaypee Greens Golf Course, which opened in 2000, is the only course in India designed by two-time Major Champion Norman.

Located approximately one hour from Delhi airport, the course features several water hazards and bunkering reminiscent of classic Melbourne sand belt courses.

Jaypee Greens GC takes over the staging of the Avantha Masters from DLF Golf and Country Club, which hosted the €1.8million event in 2010 (won by Andrew Dodt), 2011 (SSP Chowrasia) and 2012 (Jbe’ Kruger).

The tournament will again be co-sanctioned by The European and Asian Tours and will comprise an increased field of 156 players, with 61 provided by The European Tour, 61 by the Asian Tour, 28 by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and the final six allocated to sponsor’s invitations.     The onsite event execution will continue to be operated by IMG Reliance, which has successfully implemented the event for the previous three editions.

Gautam Thapar, Chairman and CEO of the Avantha Group, said: “Following three hugely successful stagings of the Avantha Masters, we are delighted to sponsor the tournament for the fourth successive year. As one of India’s biggest business conglomerates we are rightly proud to be associated with a professional golf tournament of this magnitude and stature, and we look forward to the next edition in March 2013 and the chance it provides to help grow the game across the country.”

Padamjit Sandhu, Director of the PGTI, said: “The Avantha Masters gives Indian golfers the best possible platform to test themselves against some of the world’s best golfers. Following the recent success of the likes of Jeev Milkha Singh, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shiv Kapur, Jyoti Randhawa and SSP Chowrasia, the game of golf has never been more popular in India, and I have no doubt that the fourth edition of the Avantha Masters will again showcase India’s ability to stage a world-class tournament.”

Vidya Basarkod, President (Sales & Marketing) of Jaypee Greens Golf Course, said: “We feel proud and privileged to be hosting the fourth edition of the Avantha Masters on our golf course, as we believe the tournament will help showcase our beautiful property to the watching world. In particular, the last three holes should help to provide a suitably dramatic finish, and everyone associated with the club is truly excited to see how some of the world’s best players fare over a course which we hope will provide a true test of their skills.”

Keith Waters, the European Tour’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “The success of both the Avantha Masters and its leading players is testament to golf’s popularity in India, an increasingly influential country in a sporting and business context. We should thank our co-sanctioning partners at the Asian Tour and the PGTI, as well as the title sponsors Avantha and the new host venue Jaypee Greens Golf Course, which we feel, will provide a fitting stage for another top class tournament in March.”  

Kyi Hla Han, Executive Chairman of the Asian Tour, said: “On behalf of our talented players, we look forward to returning to the Avantha Masters, which is one of the most prestigious events on the Asian Tour Schedule. Asian Tour members have done well at the Avantha Masters since its inaugural event in 2010, and we expect our players to continue their fine run in 2013”.

“As the richest tournament in India, the Avantha Masters is regarded highly in Asia and I would like to express our fullest appreciation to our title sponsor Avantha for their wonderful contribution to the game. With our sanctioning partners PGTI and The European Tour, the Asian Tour will continue to play the lead role in developing professional golf at the highest level in the region.”

Defending champion Jbe’ Kruger said: “Winning your first European Tour event is always special, and I can’t wait to go back to India to defend my Avantha Masters title in March. It’s a great country with great people, and I’ve got some very fond memories of my victory in Delhi last year. I haven’t played Jaypee Greens but have heard great things about it, and if it’s anything like as good as last year’s, then we’re in for a real treat.”

Press release