Gurgaon, India: Cho Minn Thant has labelled the Indian Open as one of the Asian Tour’s ‘Majors’.

Speaking ahead of the 2020 edition of the Hero Indian Open at DLF Golf and Country Club from March 19-22, Cho, the Asian Tour’s Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, said: “This historic event has long boasted a stellar field and been regarded as one of the Asian Tour’s ‘Majors’.

“Our fullest appreciation goes to Hero MotoCorp and the Indian Golf Union for their support in continuously raising its stature over the years.”

Inaugurated in 1964, India’s flagship golf tournament and the country’s longest running international sports event is promoted by the Indian Golf Union (IGU) and co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Boasting a purse of US$1.75 million, the 56th edition of the Hero Indian Open will mark the 15th consecutive year that Hero MotoCorp Ltd, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has supported the tournament.

Lieutenant General D. Anbu (Retired), President, Indian Golf Union, said: “I am pleased to be attending my second Hero Indian Open in the capacity of President of the IGU. That we have come through trying times to host this, the most spectacular golf tournament in all of India, is a matter of immense pride.

“Hero MotoCorp has been a steadfast partner of the IGU and we are deeply grateful for Pawan Munjal’s friendship and patronage. My gratitude also to my colleagues in the IGU for their silent but efficient work in putting this together.”

Past champions SSP Chawrasia (2016 and 2017), Anirban Lahiri (2015) and Jyoti Randhawa (2000, 2006 and 2007), along with Shiv Kapur, Rashid Khan, Rahil Gangjee and Shubhankar Sharma are primed to spearhead a strong home challenge.  

Scotsman Stephen Gallacher won his first professional title in Asia and his third on the European Tour when he triumphed in Delhi last year. The former Ryder Cup player staged a stunning late comeback with three birdies in his closing four holes at DLF to win by one shot from Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura.

Other past Indian Open champions expected to be in the field this month include Matt Wallace (2018), Siddikur Rahman (2013), David Gleeson (2011), Liang Wen-chong (2008) and Mardan Mamat (2004).

The Asian Tour is a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.