Visiting European tour excited for Hero Indian Open 2019

DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram poses one of the most challenging golf courses for the European tour.

With the multiple water bodies the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram poses a mighty challenge for the players.

For some, the 7438-yard DLF Golf and Country Club course here is almost intimidating.

One of the longest courses on the European Tour, this facility is also highly challenging. The presence of large number of water bodies demands accuracy off some tees and fairways. But it is the picturesque setting of this Gary Player-designed course that leaves most first-timers truly mesmerised.

When the $1.75 million Hero Indian Open tees off on Thursday, many from the European tour visiting this property for the first time, will have to produce something very special to conquer this course.

For Brandon Stone, winner of last year’s Scottish Open with a breathtaking tally of 10-under 60, the first sight of the course has left him awe-struck. “It’s my first time coming to India and so far, spectacular and my first time looking at the course today. Mr (Gary) Player has come up again with another very unique design.

“My first look at the 17th hole and I wasn’t disappointed, alternative design so let’s say that, the course is in spectacular condition, so I think it’s going to be a very fun week. There is a strong field here this week."

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For Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, visiting this course after five years, it will be a the first time on the re-designed course. “I haven’t been to India for five or six years (after the 2014 Avantha Masters) so it’s nice to be back and I am looking forward to coming to a golf course that has been described as somewhat challenging, and something different to what we see on a regular basic.”

Shiv Kapur's experience on this course has been a little different, having missed the ‘cut’ in the past two years.

“Tee to green, I’ve played it well the past two years. But just hasn’t been able to do well on the greens. This year the greens are playing quite different so my focus this time around is to try and focus more on the greens.

“It’s the kind of golf course where you can get quite defensive just knowing there is trouble everywhere and you have to confront it. Visually it’s a very intimidating golf course but the actual landing area is quite generous,” said Kapur.