The Hero Indian Open is set to welcome a star-studded field to the DLF Golf & Country Club with record prize money of $2 million and more ranking points when it returns to the DP World Tour for the first time since 2019 from February 23-26.
The return of the country’s marquee golf event after 2019 – when the prize fund was $1.75 million – is also marked by the fact that it is firmly on the European Tour, known as the DP World Tour, and no longer part of the Asian Tour.
Twenty different countries are represented in the 120-player field, which will see Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher return to defend his title in the company of countryman Robert MacIntyre, 2018 Ryder Cup-winning captain Thomas Bjørn and his fellow Danes Thorbjørn Olesen and Nicolai Højgaard.
From the players’ perspective, the event offers 2750 ‘Race to Dubai’ ranking points and 2000 ‘Ryder Cup’ points. Another huge incentive is that the top 10 players from the DP World Tour, not otherwise exempted, get their PGA Tour card for the next season.
The winner’s share is $340,000, the runner-up gets $220,000, the third-placed receives $126,000, and the fourth place is worth $100,000.
Pawan Munjal, chairman & CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said: “We are delighted to see the Hero Indian Open return to action.
“Hero MotoCorp has been associated with this marquee tournament for close to two decades and we have seen the tournament grow in stature during this duration.
“The tournament has made a significant contribution to growing the sport and providing a platform for Indian golfers to showcase their talent.
“We are also happy to see our association with the DP World Tour grow across the globe in addition to bringing innovation and new opportunities to the game. We wish all the players the very best and look forward to a week of exciting, world-class golfing action.”
Shubhankar Sharma will spearhead the strong home challenge, which will include Hero brand ambassador Shiv Kapur and two-time Hero Indian Open winner SSP Chawrasia.
Manu Gandas, who earned his card on the DP World Tour due to of the latest alliance between the PGTI, DP World Tour and PGA Tour, will also be seen in action. Gandas had an outstanding season in 2022, winning six domestic Tour events and topping the Order of Merit to earn his playing privileges.
The final list of 120 professionals will be known over the weekend.
The DLF Golf and Country Club returns as the venue for the fourth consecutive edition of the event.
Brijinder Singh, president, Indian Golf Union, said: “I take pride in announcing the long awaited Hero Indian Open 2023. It is our flagship event and we look forward to the excitement and bonhomie it brings. Let’s make this event a memorable one.”
Keith Pelley, chief executive of the DP World Tour, said: “We are very excited to return to DLF Golf & Country Club for the first time in four years when the Hero Indian Open takes place later this month.
“Our thanks in particular go to Hero MotoCorp chairman and CEO, Dr Pawan Munjal, for both the commitment to this event and the overall DP World Tour. Dr Munjal is a great friend of the DP World Tour and we are very grateful for his support. This event has been a long-term beneficiary of Dr Munjal’s sponsorship and it is great to see it return to our schedule, along with the help of the promoter, the Indian Golf Union, who do so much for golf in India.”
Tusch Daroga, AVP-Operations, DLF Golf and Country Club, said: “We are delighted to host the Hero Indian Open for the fifth time. The Gary Player course at the DLF Golf & Country Club has the unique distinction of being the venue for both the men’s and women’s Indian Opens, which have been so well supported by Hero MotoCorp.
“We continually strive to deliver the best playing conditions year round and this year is no different. The players can look forward to pristine playing conditions on a challenging course, which they have increasingly appreciated year on year.”
