GOLFING LEGENDS SET TO TEE OFF FOR THE INAUGURAL, HSBC INDIA LEGENDS CHAMPIONSHIP IN INDIA

New Delhi.  Former US Open champion Michael Campbell of New Zealand will lead a strong international challenge as the Greg Norman-designed Jaypee Greens Golf Course is all set to host the HSBC India Legends Championship, India’s first-ever golf tournament on the Legends Tour.

The seniors, who are all legends in their country and the field of golf, will clash over three days for a whopping half a million dollars (USD 500,000). The field of 64 golfers comprises golfers from 17 different countries. The field includes as many as 9 Indians, led by India’s legendary duo, Jeev Milkha Singh, who is also the tournament host, and Jyoti Randhawa, who made the Tour by winning the Legends Tour’s tough and challenging Qualifying School finals in Turkey.

The HSBC India Legends Championship winner is set to take home USD 74,250, while the runner-up will receive USD 49,000 with the third-place finisher pocketing USD 32,700.

Commenting on the inaugural Legends Tour tournament in India, Sandeep Batra, Head, of Wealth and Personal Banking, at HSBC India, said, “We are thrilled to tee off our title sponsorship of the HSBC India Legends Championship, a key milestone in our endeavor to support the golf landscape in the country. Our goal is to create a lasting impact by nuturing talent, driving growth at all levels, inspire a new generation of golfers while ensuring the sport’s sustainability and growth in the country.”

Ryan Howsam, Chairman, Legends Tour and Staysure Group, said “There is a growing part of the demographic developing in India that is taking up golf and with our profile and our players, the HSBC India Legends Championship is a great fit.

 “India is an economic powerhouse and the timing for us to go there is great, hosting a tournament and building on other projects to help grow the game. We want to help improve participation in golf in India and assist stakeholders in the creation of more facilities for the Indian public and tourists to enjoy."

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the tournament host Jeev Milkha Singh said, “First of all, as the tournament host I welcome everyone. I hope all the players have a great experience and enjoy the Indian cuisine and culture.”

Former US Open champion Michael Campbell said, “I am looking forward to compete against my fellow players, all of whom are my good friends. But the moment we are on the course, we are serious competitors. I am coming to India after 15 years and looking forward to some good golf.”

The inaugural edition of the HSBC India Legends Championship is also co-sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). The event will be played over 54 holes from 30th August to 1st September and will be preceded by star-studded Pro-Am events on 28th and 29th August, which will see top golfers play alongside amateurs.

Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO, PGTI, said, "We are excited to partner with the Legends Tour as it makes its debut in India. This marks a historic moment for professional golf in India as it opens up new avenues for leading Senior Indian professionals to compete against the best in the world in the Senior category. We look forward to seeing the strong Indian contingent led by Tournament Host Jeev Milkha Singh and Legends Tour Qualifying School Winner Jyoti Randhawa, make an impact. We wish the players all the best."