Last year's Indian Open was severe on golfers. The rescheduling of the 2008 ladies' event to March-end, due to Johnnie Walker Classic, drew much criticism as quite a few players fainted after failing to cope with the heat.
This time though, the event returns to its original February dates much to the relief of the ladies.
And when it tees off on Wednesday, home fans will be hoping Smriti Mehra pulls off a surprise. The veteran, who underwent a major surgery recently, looks buoyant. She earned a full card on the European tour less than a month ago, and also holds a conditional card on the USPGA.
"I won't be able to rest in peace if I don't win the Indian Open. A win at the National Open is one that every golfer would want and I am going for nothing short of gold this time," said Mehra.
Mehra, who finished tied sixth in the last edition, admitted she is grappling with fitness. "It's tough. I am going to take a month off after this tournament so that I can regain fitness."
Although 13-year-old Gurbani Singh, who won of the All India Ladies Amateur Championship recently, has skipped the event due to her school exams, Tanya Wadhwa and Nalini Singh will be in action. Wadhwa had finished tied 19th last year and was second among Indians after Mehra.
{{/usCountry}}Although 13-year-old Gurbani Singh, who won of the All India Ladies Amateur Championship recently, has skipped the event due to her school exams, Tanya Wadhwa and Nalini Singh will be in action. Wadhwa had finished tied 19th last year and was second among Indians after Mehra.
{{/usCountry}}Defending champion Phatlum Pornanong of Thailand sounded upbeat about her chances. " I hope to win the title this time too."
The $120,000 event, to be held at the DLF Golf and Country Club, has seen an increase in the number of participants. From 53, the entries have gone up to 66 (from 19 countries). There are 23 Indians in fray.