Jeev, Westwood confirm entry

Lee Westwood, who has won two titles this year, Europe’s past season success story Nick Dougherty and Jeev Milkha Singh were the three new players announced today. They joined Scottish legend Colin Montogomerie, former world No 1 Vijai Singh, England’s Ian Poulter and Australian Adam Scott.

The point of interest, however, as hosts, is the number of spots that Indian players receive. According to tournament director Steve Foxcroft, the field of 132 will be divided into 47 EPGA players, 47 Asian Tour players, 22 from the Australian Tour, while 8 spots have been reserved for Indians on the PGTI’s 2006-07 order of merit. The remaining 8 are sponsors’ exemption.

The number for India, much less than what the PGTI is holding contention over for the European Tour’s Indian Masters, to be held just weeks before the Johnnie Walker event, is acceptable, according to the PGTI, as it is a four-way sanctioned event. “Moreover, technically it would go up as the eight would not include Indians who qualify through Europe or Asia,” says Ajai Gupta, PGTI tour commissioner.

The prize money for the event is $2.6 million, with the winner’s purse being $430,000.

According to Diageo India managing director Asif Adil, as a run-up to the event, an amateur challenge would be initiated. Eight golf clubs will send a competitively-selected representative for participation in the pro-am.

Unveiling the gleaming trophy, meanwhile, Jeev, staked claim to being the first Asian to take the crown. “I’ve played this event many times across the world. 2008, however, would be something really special, since it’s at home. No Asian has won the tournament ever and I’m going to put all my effort to it,” he said.

Indians, meanwhile, can rub their hands in anticipation of a world-class field to ogle at.