British Open champion Clarke, Asian No. 1 Wiratchant look forward to new concept of Pearls
Golf Premier League
Aamby Valley, February 6: The stars
have descended onto the Aamby Valley City for the inaugural Pearls Golf Premier
League. From Major winners Darren Clarke to Rich Beem to Angel Cabrera and Asia
No. 1 Thaworn Wiratchant and Indian PGTI No. 1 Shamim Khan, they are all there
and looking forward to being part of what could be landmark moment for Indian
golf.
“It
is wonderful to be part of something new,” said the 2011 British Open champion,
Darren Clarke and then gushed about this great course. “It is absolutely
superb. Such lovely views and the weather is great.”
What
about his experience in India? “I have never been to this part of the country.
My previous experience was Delhi and now this. I am loving it. When I was first
asked about the League I wondered if this could be pulled off. And now here I
am. And so are so many fine players from all over.” Clarke will play for
Uttarakhand Lions.
Thaworn
Wiratchant, a two-time Indian Open winner, including 2012, when he also emerged
as the oldest Asian Tour No.1 and the most prolific winner in Asian Tour’s
10-year history, said, “When this (Aamby Valley Golf Course) last hosted an
Asian Tour event (in 2006) I could not make it. So I was very keen. I have
heard a lot about this course from my Indian friends. I have liked the course.”
What
about the League itself? “This is totally new. It brings together players from
Asia, Europe and even US to play alongside top stars from India. A wonderful
idea to unite all and promote the game. That it will be live on TV is a big
boost.” Thaworn will turn out for Witalsee Punjab Lancers.
Thaworn
had a great practice round with fellow Thai professionals, J Pariya and
Chapchai Nirat, who holds the world record of 32-under, set in India in 2009.
Indians
Ajeetesh Sandhu and Rahil Gangjee, who will play for Delhi Darts are also
looking forward to the event. Ajeetesh said, “IT will be great to play
alongside some of the leading players in world. They are Major winners, Asian
and European Tour winners. Playing and interacting with them will help us
youngsters.”
When
asked about Aamby Valley, Sandhu added, “I love this course. It is so scenic
and I have played here on PGTI events.”
Gangjee
was happy to back with his friends on Indian tour after two years on Web.com
Tour. “Golf in India has grown by leaps and bounds and this league is an evidence
of it. I am looking forward to this event. As for the course, I love it. “
Ashok
Kumar, who was leading after three rounds at the Aamby Valley Masters back in
2006, said, “I have mixed memories but I love this course. And this new league
will help us play with top stars from all over.”
The
Pro-Am will be held on Thursday and the main event to played over three rounds
of 14 holes each under floodlights will begin on Friday. The event will be
telecast live on Sony Six.
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