Tiger's niece Cheyenne star attraction at Indian Open

Tiger Woods’ niece, Cheyenne Nicole Woods, will be star attraction in the Hero Indian Open women’s golf tournament, scheduled from October 23-25, at the DLF Golf and Country Club, Gurgaon.

The event, which would be returning to the Gurgaon course after two years at Delhi Golf Course, will also have a prize money increase from US$ 3,00,000 to US $4,00,000.

This will be American professional Cheyenne’s maiden visit to India. Apart from the LPGA star, France’s Gwladys Nocera will be returning to defend her title and will be challenged by winner of Turkish Airlines Ladies Open Melissa Reid, Becky and Thidapa Suwannapura.

The Indian contingent in the event, tri-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour (LET), the Ladies Asian Golf Tour(LAGT) and Women’s Golf Association of India(WGAI), will comprise the likes of Vani Kapoor, Sharmila Nicollet and Vaishavi Sinha. Vani, who leads the Hero Order of Merit with total earnings of INR 15,56,400 in 16 appearances, is India’s best bet in the tournament.

Also creating buzz is 17-year-old Bengaluru golfer Aditi Ashok who became the first Indian to top the qualifiers of the $2-million Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia and securing her first Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) start in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

“It will be a field of 114 players with 49 from Ladies European Tour (LET) and 30 from Asian Golf Tour. Great Britain is coming with the largest contingent of 10 players.  There would be 16 Indian golfers in the fray. Also three amateurs Indian players would be given the opportunity to tee,” said Women’s Golf Association of India secretary-general Champika Sayal.

Sharmila confident
Meanwhile, an injury-free Sharmila exuded confidence of good performances ahead of Rio Games qualifications. The Bengaluru golfer has been beset by injuries, most recent being a wrist injury a few months ago.  She, however, was happy with her current form.

“The season wasn't that great. There were not many tournaments in Europe and initially I struggled with my game due to health issues. But I am playing well now, got a few under-par rounds in the last few months,” she said.