From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Oct 26: As part of Karnataka Government’s vision of promoting golf in the state, Karnataka Tourism has announced Bengaluru Open 2017 Golf Championship with a whopping prize money of Rs 1 crore.
The maiden tournament, organised in association with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA), is scheduled from November 14 to 18 in Bengaluru at the KGA course.
The prize money of Rs 1 crore makes Bengaluru Open 2017 the biggest golf tournament in India to be sponsored by a state government.
The tournament will feature a total field of 126 professionals, including Olympians Anirban Lahiri and Aditi Ashok, as well as top golfers from the country, such as Chikkarangappa S, C Muniyappa and Udayan Mane.
Speaking about the event, Karnataka’s Minister for IT, BT & Tourism Priyank Kharge said, “Bengaluru Open 2017 reflects the Government of Karnataka’s commitment to further promote golf in the state.’’
He said in recent years, Karnataka has emerged as a major powerhouse in the sport and we are determined to offer the best of infrastructure and support to the golfing fraternity. Some of the biggest names in Indian golf will be coming together for the maiden tournament.
“Golf tourism is immensely popular across the globe and we are keen to promote Karnataka as the golfing hub of India. We will begin with the Bengaluru Open and also have amateur tournaments in Chikkamagaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu and Belagavi,’’ he said.
Kharge said, "We hope that these places that have high tourist footfalls because of their unique cultures, cuisines and landscapes too will develop as golfing destinations helping the local homestays and hospitality industry."
At the Bengaluru Open 2017, the main event will be played between November 15 and 18, preceded by the Pro-Am event on November 14.
Of the 126 professionals participating in the tournament, the top 50 and ties will make it to the last two rounds; the cut will be declared after the first two rounds.