THE DIGEST-JTP 2008
Top draws
Money and prestige. It really can't get much better if the most sought after trophy in Indian golf has a hefty purse to back it up. With $1 million in the kitty, that's a lot to play for.

By Meraj Shah

Daniel Chopra will play the Indian Open for the first time in seven years..

Indian professionals have won the Indian Open nine times since the first tournament in 1964. Jyoti Randhawa, the defending champion and three-time winner, leads that list and always tends to find his 'A game' at this tournament irrespective of his performances, ranking and form over the rest of the season. Last year, just when it seemed to be getting close, Randhawa sealed his win with an improbable eagle on the par-four 16th. His play over the year has not been exceptional but his win at the DLF Masters on the PGTI last month, inspite of struggling with swing changes, must have bolstered his confidence.

Daniel Chopra returns to the Indian Open after a hiatus of seven years. Chopra, who grew up on the Delhi G.C., knows the course and the greens as well as any of the Indian pros. As two-time PGA Tour winner-2007 Ginn sur Mer Classic and 2008 Mercedes Benz Championship-Chopra comes with a reputation. This is his first tournament on his 'home' course after his entry into golf's elite league and he will have a point to prove. S.S.P. Chowrasia, who won the Emaar MGF Indian Masters at the DGC in February, has finished second at the Indian Open twice and he will be looking to better that record. Even though he is ranked third on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, Chowrasia hasn't had much to show after that momentous win and this could be his opportunity to come good again in familiar surroundings.

Mark Brown, the New Zealander whose career took off with éclat when he won the Sail Open at Jaypee Greens and the prestigious Johnnie Walker Classic at the DLF G&CC earlier this year, returns to the country of his biggest triumphs. After that spectacular run, he's had a tied fifth finish at the Volvo China Open and, more recently, a tied 24th at the PGA Championship. Brown currently leads the Asian Tour's Order of Merit and after those two big wins on Indian soil, he'll be gunning for a unique 'three-peat'.

China's Liang Wen-chong was the top ranked player on the Asian Tour in 2007 when he won the Singapore Masters. In 2008, he became the first Chinese golfer to make the cut at a major (British Open at Royal Birkdale). Expect a strong showing from him. A heavyweight Thai contingent is likely to show up, among them past winner Thaworn Wiratchant, Chapchai Nirat and Prom Meesawat.

The home challenge, led by Randhawa, includes PGTI Order of Merit leader Rahul Ganapathy and the evergreen contender Mukesh Kumar, who has won four tournaments on the PGTI this season. The indefatigable Gaurav Ghei, who is capable of going low on his home course, and Gaganjeet Bhullar, the talented youngster who has come close to winning on a few occasions this season, should provide some excitement. Ashok Kumar, another DGC product, is still looking for that big win. The promising Rashid Khan, who won the Northern India Amateurs at the DGC recently with ease, will be the pick among the handful of amateurs on show.

Oct 2008