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Randhawa and Chowrasia to spearhead local challenge for SAIL Open

India’s largest steel maker, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), has reaffirmed its staunch support to Asian and Indian golf with the announcement of the second edition of the SAIL Open golf tournament.

The SAIL Open 2009 will be held from March 18 to 21, 2009 at the Classic Golf Resort where it will be the sixth leg of this season’s Asian Tour Schedule. The tournament will also be sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).

Indian star Jyoti Randhawa, who finished second in last year’s inaugural edition. and cruised to victory at the Singha Thailand Open last Sunday, will spearhead the home challenge alongside rising star S.S.P. Chowrasia, winner of the Indian Masters last season.

Last year, Mark Brown of New Zealand hit the headlines with a superb victory which helped him finish third on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.

Apart from Randhawa and Chowrasia, other leading names who will compete in the SAIL Open include three-time Asian Tour winner Gaurav Ghei, former Volvo Masters of Asia champion Shiv Kapur, Digvijay Singh and a host of other Indian stars who are regulars on the Asian Tour including Rahil Gangjee, Amandeep Johl and Gaganjeet Bhullar.

SAIL’s extended support towards professional golf comes as a big support for Asian and Indian golf. A total prize fund of US$300,000 will be on offer to Asia’s leading stars.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han expressed his appreciation to SAIL for its commitment to the game. “Professional golf relies greatly on sponsorship to help the game grow and we are delighted that SAIL is committed to the second edition of its tournament.

“The popularity of golf has grown in India over the past decade and the Asian Tour is delighted to play a big role which has ultimately unearthed new and exciting players from India.”

Padamjit Singh Sandhu, Director, PGTI, said: “We are delighted to welcome back the SAIL Open 2009. Tournaments of this stature will give our players an opportunity to compete against the best golfing talent from across the region and play a key role in popularising the sport.

“With many top Asian and Indian stars slated to compete in the event, there is a lot to look forward to. The PGTI is indeed thankful to SAIL for helping create playing opportunities for our players.”

The SAIL Open will be the first of the two Asian Tour events in India this year. The venue for this year's edition is Classic Golf Resort, a Jack Nicklaus signature course, which was one of the first high profile courses in India.

March 9, 2009