Big-time golf returns to the North-east

The cream of Indian golf is expected to take on the Digboi Golf Links, the only 18-hole championship size golf course in the region. Surrounded by the picturesque Upper Dehing Reserve Forest with its wide variety of flora and fauna, the par-72 course is a visual delight for non-golfers and a challenging layout for the professionals.

PK Choudhury, General Manager Marketing (Assam Oil Division), said: ‘‘Indian Oil Corporation has always contributed towards development of sports in the country. Golf is one of the fastest growing sports and our golfers have made India proud by their performances in national and international events. We are delighted to continue our patronage of Servo Masters, which we believe, is a great platform for the Indian golfers to showcase their skills.’’

The top three players on the money list this season — Mukesh Kumar, Feroz Ali and Digvijay Singh — have all entered for the tournament, thus ensuring top-class competition. The spotlight will be on the defending champion Mukesh, who is in terrific form this season having won four of the last five events he has participated in. But Feroz, still searching for his first victory this season, is expected to provide him tough opposition.

Among the other star players expected to participate are the HT ProGolf Kolkata winner, Indrajit Bhalotia; twice Indian Open winner, Ali Sher; Indian Open ’99 joint-runner-up, Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia; ‘Rookie of the Year’ award winner 2001-02 Rahil Gangjee; ‘Rookie of the Year’ award winner 2000-01 Rahul Ganapathy, and SRF All-India Matchplay Championship 2002 winner, Shiv Prakash.

‘‘Never before in my 15 years of golfing career have I played so well as I am playing right now. I am looking forward to win as many titles as possible and am keen to win the Servo Masters again, which is among my favourite tournaments,’’ said the Mhow-based Mukesh.