It has been 20 years and more than I have been coming to the Hero Indian Open. Over the years, the event has undergone so many changes, all for the better and the prize money has gone up hugely. Back in late 1990s, it was around $200,000 and then it was $300,000 when Hero took it over in 2005.
And now it is $1.75 million — six times more than what it was when they first came in as title sponsors of this event.
And for me, the title has continued to be elusive. I managed a couple of wins on the PGA Tour — very proud moments in my career — but I would give an arm or more for an Indian Open. India is where I grew up; this is where I learnt my golf and this is where my best friends are. And the food is something I just cannot have enough of.
It is a homecoming for me. And yes, I also play golf. There have been so many times when this lovely trophy has been within my grasp. I have finished second, been in the Top-5 and Top-10, but never quite closed the deal.
The current week as usual began with great fanfare, as we indulged in the Hero Skills Challenge. It was great fun and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. This time, instead of being in a playing capacity, Jeev (Milkha Singh) and I led the India and Rest of the World teams. And the India team, well Anirban Lahiri to be more specific, just swamped us in the first three Skills, before we got one back in the precision shots.
Before Lahiri went for that monster putt, I just happened to mention that he had putted a similar long one last year, and he did exactly that once again. It also means that he is in great shape — winning the long drive, winning the bunker shot and then a long putt.
So, he will be among the favourites this week, as will be S.S.P. Chawrasia.
