European Tour Golf Hits India

The rise of Asian golf and particular Indian golf will hit a new pinnacle this week as the country hosts its first ever European Tour event - the EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters.

Now I for one am looking forward to the event although i am against it being called a EUROPEAN TOUR event………. Last time i looked on a map India was not in Europe

Anyway despite the presence of Ernie Els and a fair mix of the usual European raiders, the hosts boast a really strong contingent and their knowledge of the Delhi course will certainly give them a big advantage. Reports that the greens aren’t up to normal tour standard will also play into the hands of the Indian golfers.

Spectators are allowed in free to the 7014-yard par 71 - another boost to the home stars as they will have a great following - and as for how this unknown track will play it’s a good idea to ask the man who always seems to thrive there.

Jyoti Randhawa is a three-time winner of the Indian Open at the Delhi Golf Club and insists the key is driving accuracy and keeping the ball in play.

The fairways are lined with thorny bushes and other obstructions so wayward driving is penalised and good sound course management is a must.

Randhawa has already won an Indian Tour event at this venue so although it’s not quite a Tiger Woods-Torrey Pines type dominance, those victories should stand him in very good stead.

Despite being in contention plenty of times he’s never quite managed to bag a European Tour win so this is the absolute ideal golden opportunity being on home turf.

Randhawa is in good form after he closed with a superb 66 to finish seventh in Qatar recently and that must put him in a good  mental frame of mind for this weeks challenge.

To follow all the latest from the event just keep an eye on the leaderboard

All the best

Richard