Shubhankar Sharma has likened the Hero Indian Open to a “fifth major” as the DP World Tour returns to his homeland after a four-year absence.
The two-time DP World Tour winner leads a strong home contingent as he looks to continue his recent good form, with a top ten to his name this season at the opening Rolex Series event of the year in Abu Dhabi.
He has also never missed the cut in his national Open in five previous appearances, setting a course record eight-under 64 on his way to finishing seventh at DLF Golf and Country Club in 2018.
“I’m very happy that the event is back,” he said.
“It’s like a fifth major, I’ve said that countless times this week. It’s very, very special and I’m very happy it’s back, especially at DLF.”
Among the countrymen joining Sharma in the field are two-time Hero Indian Open winner S.S.P Chawrasia and Manu Gandas, who earned his card on the DP World Tour through the strategic alliance between the PGTI, DP World Tour and PGA TOUR.
Gandas won six domestic Tour events to top last year’s PGTI Order of Merit and earn his playing privileges and Sharma is pleased to see some new talent from India competing internationally.
“It means a lot to have this event,” he added.
“I’ve been playing on the DP World Tour for four years now but quite a few players are getting their first experience of proper international golf.
“It’s great for them, they’re all very excited, a lot of good players have emerged in the last few years and this is their first experience of international golf.”
The event is taking place at DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurugram for the fourth consecutive time, after moving from long-term host venue Delhi Golf Club in 2017.
And Sharma feels comfortable in his surroundings this week as he targets home glory.
“This course is very special to me. This is where I played quite a lot from 2012 to 2016, around the time that I joined the Tour and it’s always great coming back.
“The course is in great nick and it’s slightly different to what it was three years ago. The bushes have grown, the trees have grown, so it’s definitely tighter.”
