IndianOilxtra premium Maters Golf returns to Digboi, doubles prize

Guwahati, Jan 23 (UNI) The Country's leading professional golfers will be seen in action at the Digboi Golf course here for the Indian Oilxtra premium masters golf tournament beginning from January 31.

Speaking at a preview of the tournament, PGTI spokesman Ajoy Gupta said the prize money for the tournament had been doubled this year to Rs 20 lakh. About 200 golfers, including 75 amateur golfers, would take part in this event.

The 72-hole stroke play tournament would begin from January 31 and the cut would be applied after two rounds on February 1.

The last two round would see the top-50 scorers and ties battle it out for the title. The winner would be crowned on February 3.

The pro-am competition would be played on February 4 and would be attended by all leading amateur golfers of the region, Mr Gupta said.

Defending champion Harinder Gupta, Asoke Kumar, Vijay Kumar, Firoj Ali, Shiv Prakash, Jaiveer Virk, Md Islam, Naman Dawar, Rafiq Ali, Sandip Syal, Sujjan Singh, Vivek Bhandari, Two-time Indian Open champion Ali Sher, Ranjit Singh, Uttam Singh Mundy, Amritnder Singh are some of the leading professionals who would be seen in action, Mr Gupta said.

Meanwhile, Asian Games silver medallists Chirang Kumar and Gagandeep Bhullar, playing only their second professional tournament on the PGTI tour, would also compete for the winner's purse of Rs 3,42,000.

''I am looking forward to playing the IndianOil XtraPremium Masters as they have doubled the prize money this year and I would love to start new year with a victory.

I have been implementing a few changes in my swing, mainly in my grip, takeway and have an almost new swing now, which should help me to be more consistent in the future. However, my short game is excellent and very reliable and should help me a lot in Digboi,'' in a message from Chandigarh Defending champion Harinder Gupta informed.

Speaking on the occasion Asom Oil Division General Manager -Marketing J N Mahanta informed that the tournament received another boost when new members like Vijay Kumar, Firoz Ali, Shamim Khan, Shiv Prakash, Suleman Ali and Pappan also signed up for membership of the PGTI this week in order to particiapate in the tournament.

General Manager, (CC and Blending) of the corporation Mr N Srikumar,said that Indian Oil has been at the forefront for promoting sports in the country, both by sponsoring events and employing talented sportspersons of the country and region as well.

UNI