New Delhi: Even though it has become nation's richest golf tournament, Bilt Open has lost some sheen this year with Jeev Milkha Singh, holder Jyoti Randhawa, Gaganjeet Bhullar and C Muniyappa opting out of the event, commencing in Greater Noida from November 5-8.
The quartet of Jeev, Jyoti, Gaganjeet and Muniyappa are the four Indians among 11 Asians, who have qualified for the prestigious HSBC World Golf Championship in Shanghai, which coincides with the Bilt Open.
However, other big names of Indian circuit like Anirban Lahiri, Himmat Singh Rai, veteran Gaurav Ghei, SSP Chowrasia, Mukesh Kumar, Digvijay Singh, Rahil Gangjee, Ashok Kumar and Gurki Shergill will be participating in the tournament, whose prize money this year has been increased from Rs 80 lakhs to of Rs one crore.
"The Bilt Open is today the most coveted title on the PGTI calendar. But Jeev, Jyoti, Ganganjeet and Muniyappa will miss this year's tournament for a good reason. They are among the 11 Asians who have qualified for the HSBC World Golf Championship which coincides with the event," PGTI Director Padamjeet Sandhu told reporters.
Incidentally, the Bilt Open was the season ender last year but the tournament has been preponed this time as the PGTI will be signing off their calendar with a new event in mid December.
"This year it is not the last tournament. We have few more events in the pipeline including a season ender carrying prize money of Rs 80 lakhs next month," Sandhu informed.
Himmat, who had an impressive outing in his inaugural season of the Asian tour as full card holder this year, said although the big names are absent, the field is still a tough one.
"Their absence (Jeev, Jyoti, Gaganjeet, Muniyappa) won't make it easy but it would have been more strong had they were present.”
"If you ask me the field is not so weak as it looks. You have Anirban, Digivijay, Gaurav, SSP which makes it quite a competitive one," said the Delhi golfer, who finished tied third at the Iskandar Johor Open, tied 10th at the Singha Thailand Open and tied 14th at the Queens Cup this year.
Meanwhile, Anirban, who was tied second last year, feels his familiarity with the course will hold him in good stead in the fourth edition of the event.
"My familiarity with the course is obviously an advantage for me. I know the course well and expect a good finish this year as well," said the Bangalore lad, who also made his Asian tour debut this year.
Bureau Report