Women's Indian Open to begin on October 18, prize money increased to $500,000

The enhanced prize-money apart, the Hero Women's Indian Open will be played over 72 holes for the first time.

(L-R) Indian golfers Gaurika Bishnoi, Vani Kapoor and Amandeep Drall pose with the Hero Women's Indian Open trophy.

The 12th edition of Hero women’s Indian Open is set be the richest with $500,000 on offer with the winner’s share being $75,000 when the premier event returns to the DLF Golf and Country Club at Gurugram from October 18 to 21.

The enhanced prize-money apart, the event will be played over 72 holes for the first time. Fittingly, so far, 11 out of the top-20 players from the Ladies European Tour have entered the field. However, some changes are expected before the entries close next month.

Defending champion Camille Chevalier (France) will be back, along with former champion Caroline Hedwall (Sweden) and Beth Allen (USA) will be the foreigners to watch out for. The leading Indian challengers in the fray are, Vani Kapoor, Tvesa Malik, Amandeep Drall and Gursimar Badwal.

Making the announcement on behalf of the sponsors, J. Narain promised continued support to golf and hoped that the Indian golfers gain from the enhanced status of the annual event.