Despite challenging overcast conditions and a course that organizers worked tirelessly to prepare, the Hero Women’s Indian Open golf tournament is officially kicking off today. Anticipation is high, with many experts hesitant to predict a clear winner given the unpredictable circumstances.
A staggering 111 golfers from 31 nations are competing for the impressive $75,000 winner’s prize. The renowned DLF Golf and Country Club, a familiar host for 14 out of the tournament’s 16 editions, is expected to demand both exceptional patience and strategic brilliance from the elite participants. Among them is Mimi Rhodes, the current leader of the Ladies European Tour (LET) Order of Merit, who has already secured three titles and two top-10 finishes in her inaugural full year on the tour.
A victory at this event would significantly boost Rhodes’ chances of claiming the coveted Order of Merit Trophy. However, she faces fierce competition from Singapore’s Shannon Tan and the Czech Republic’s Sara Kouskova, both of whom are hot on her heels and could potentially unseat her from the top spot with a strong performance.
Adding to the excitement, Liz Young is aiming to defend her title – a feat only achieved once before in the tournament’s history. Making her tenth appearance, Young’s extensive knowledge of the course and local conditions could give her a crucial edge.
Spearheading India’s contingent is Diksha Dagar, who previously came tantalizingly close to victory with a third-place finish in 2023. Dagar, already boasting two LET titles and five Top-10 finishes, will be looking to add another trophy to her collection. She is joined by fellow Ladies European Tour players Tvesa Malik, Pranavi Urs Hitaashee Bakshi, and Avani Prashanth, alongside local talents like Sneha Singh, Amandeep Drall, and Vani Kapoor, all eager to make their mark.