Atwal returns with lessons from US

OCT 27: Despite the strong sun, more than a hundred golfers turned up for the Pro-Am, which has not yet become mandatory before any major...

OCT 27: Despite the strong sun, more than a hundred golfers turned up for the Pro-Am, which has not yet become mandatory before any major event. It gives everybody, the organisers, the players and the sponsors something of a chance to mix around and yes, for the amateurs and the invitees a chance to impress others.

Today8217;s Pro-Am was no different, but quite a few players brought in good scores. The morning saw Mahesh Bhupathi, one half of the world8217;s best doubles tennis pair, and actress Shilpa Shetty attention. There was also Geoffrey Boycott, who did not play but did the sponsors a good turn by posing with everybody.

Jeev Milkha Singh, who looked relaxed after a week off, played with his sponsor, Pawan Kumar Munjal and one of the country8217;s best women golfers, Shruti Khanna. In between, Jeev handled all media requests rather well.

There was a surprise appearance by Daniel Chopra and his fiance Samantha, who seemed to know Boycott well. That added extra glamour to the field. On a two-week break, Daniel is quite at home at the Delhi Golf Course, having played much of his golf here.

Daniel currently earns his living playing on the European PGA Tour alongside Jeev. And Daniel is keen on showing Jeev8217;s hometown Chandigarh to his fiancee. He claims he has heard the city being compared to Hawaii and Monte Carlo.

Back in India after almost five months is the current Indian Open champion, Arjun Atwal. He is back from the States where he missed qualifying for the US PGA Tour. Armed with a lot of lessons 8212; he has also got a new coach Leo Ronalds 8212; from the US, Atwal is keen on going for a double. If he manages to add the Hero Honda Masters to the Indian Open, that will be something. He is relaxed and though not in good form, added confidently: 8220;I now know what it takes to win.8221;

Also in good shape in Pro-Am was local Vivek Bhandari, who was also a part of Kel Llwellyn8217;s coaching camp. With a three over in the front nine, he carded a five under, 31 on the back nine, and is all set for the round tomorrow. The talk is that the week will belong to the golfer who putts well, but the longest hitter this week is South African, Sammy Daniels.

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Amongst the women, Seema Sobti playing only her fourth round this year, did well to win 8220;the closest to the pin8221; contest on the fifth hole. She hit her shot two and a half feet from the pin. She even beat Rohit Gulati who won the men8217;s category prize with his shot, four feet seven inches from the pin.

Anjali Chopra played one under par, her first under par score on this golf course. Surely something to remember for the talented youngster.

Though the tournament is high profile with more than 32,000 at stake for the winner, the foreign component is somewhat lean this time with only 39 among the 110-odd who will tee off tomorrow. But that may well mean good news for the Indians, who will have a great chance to keep the Indian flag flying.