Delhi Golf Club awaits the swing of a superstar

World’s No 1 will take part in an exhibition event on Tuesday

There has been no dearth of top international sportspersons visiting India in recent years. Tiger Woods, however, has somehow remained distant to the country. That was till Monday evening when he landed in the capital for an exhibition event.

Woods’s arrival is part of a commercial venture by Hero Motocorp. The corporate golf event will also feature Indian golfer Shiv Kapur, who is sponsored by the Hero Motor Group, and Arjun Atwal and will be played over 14 holes at the historic Delhi Golf Club (DGC). 

“He came this evening. He will be arriving at the course by 8.25 am. So far the plan is that Tiger Woods will play over 14 holes. The first five holes in front nine and then whole of back nine. He will be having his lunch outside the club,” DGC president, IVS Juneja, told Deccan Herald, on Monday.

“His presence is significant to Indian golf. He is what Jack Nicklaus was to golf at one point. A player of Woods’ stature brings attention to the sport, which is not so popular in India. So it is good news for Indian golf. He has already generated huge interest in the country.” 

However the sight of the American golfer will be limited only to the members of DGC. The event is not open to common fans and even media is not part of it. “He didn’t want any interaction with the media. That was in his contract. It is a commercial venture.

Even though only DGC members are allowed, we know we will be handling a couple of thousands of them! There will be several young golfers who will be excited to meet him. So we know we have a tough job at hand tomorrow,” Juneja said. “At the moment, we are sure that Shiv Kapur will be present. We are expecting Atwal, too, as he is a good friend of Woods.”

The 14-times major winner, who is staying at the ITC Maurya Sheraton, has reportedly been paid a seven-digit sum in dollars for his maiden visit to India. He is expected to leave on Tuesday evening.