The European Tour will return to India in 2015 when the Indian Open joins The Race to Dubai for the first time.
Taking place from February 19-22, at a venue to be confirmed soon, the US$1.5million event will be co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour. It will be promoted by India’s leading sports management company, Nimbus Sport, which has extended its partnership with the Indian Golf Union (IGU) to manage and promote the Indian Open from 2015 to 2017.
The tournament, which has been played since 1964 and was won last year by Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman, will offer the chance for Indian golfing talent to compete against some of the leading players from The European and Asian Tours.
Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer and Director of International Policy for The European Tour, said: “We are delighted to announce the Indian Open will be part of The Race to Dubai in 2015, and we look forward to returning to India, following five editions of the Avantha Masters from 2008-13.
“Golf is a sport that is continuing to gain popularity in India and this is an important market for The European Tour, so it is significant for us to be part of the country’s national Open, along with the Asian Tour, with whom we enjoy such a strong relationship across many events. We are grateful, therefore, to the Indian Golf Union and Nimbus Sport and we looking forward to working together over the coming months.”
Kyi Hla Han, Chairman of the Asian Tour, said: “The Indian Open has long been one of the most prestigious national championships on the Asian Tour, attracting the Tour’s best players from across the region.
“With the inclusion of The European Tour as a sanctioning partner from 2015 onwards, the Indian Open will continue to provide the galleries and television viewers with a world-class spectacle of golf as our top players will now enjoy the opportunity to take on the top stars from The European Tour in India.”
Raian Irani, President of the IGU, said: “The Indian Open has been the pride of Indian Golf for 50 years on the trot. Starting from 1964, the IGU has ensured that the tournament is conducted in all its glory. The IGU Council is extremely delighted by the elevation of the tournament as a European Tour event, which will not only attract the best talent but will place the tournament on an even higher pedestal and add to its grandeur.
“Now that the bar has been further raised, I am sure that winning the Indian Open will be on every golfer’s wish-list, locally and globally. The unrelenting efforts of the IGU and all its stakeholders over the years have paid rich dividends and led to this accolade. And so, we would like to take this opportunity to share our gratitude with all our stake holders who have ensured the successful conduct of the tournament over the years.”
Sunil Manocha, COO of Nimbus Sport, said: “We are excited about our continued association with the IGU as it spells out our unwavering commitment to the sport.
“Golf is taking great strides in the country today, and with the iconic Indian Open debuting on The European Tour, the stage is bigger than ever for players and fans alike. As India’s leading sports management company, we are delighted to be playing a key role in helping India get its own presence on the international golfing calendar and we look forward to an exciting, competitive and thrilling event in 2015.”
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About the Indian Golf Union
The Indian Golf Union is recognised by the Government of India as the National Federation for both Amateur as well as Professional Golf in India. Among the objectives of the Union is the promotion of the game of golf, select team of Golfers to represent India in International Championships, prescribe and interpret the rules of golf, assist in the layout and upkeep of Golf Courses and in maintaining a standard system of handicapping. The Indian Golf Union has over 200 Golf Course affiliated to it along with numerous State Golf Associations. The National Golf Academy of India located at Chandigarh functions directly under the Indian Golf Union and is responsible for training the coaches.
About Nimbus Sport
Nimbus Sport is the full service sports marketing division of Nimbus Communications Ltd., specializing in Rights Distribution and Management, Television Production, Sponsorship Services and Event Management.
Nimbus Sport has been involved in managing rights transactions worth over USD 2 billion to date, among the largest in Asia. It has extensive experience of rights management and/or television production with multiple sports federations and dozens of major sponsors. It is a leading producer of World Feeds of Live sports events with over 4500 hours of live content delivered and also manages best-in-class sports events.
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The European Tour is committed to celebrating the game of golf from the origins of the professional game, building a proud history of achievement, sportsmanship and integrity as well as showcasing our diverse global talent and rich landscapes. The European Tour’s innovative approach enables us to embrace the world, combining championships of tradition with new tournaments in the cities and countries of the future. The European Tour International Schedule, which from 2009 has incorporated The Race to Dubai, is a thriving global brand which, in 2014, will feature a minimum of 48 tournaments spread across five continents; the European Challenge Tour focuses on the up and coming players of the future; while the European Senior Tour provides a new start for champions celebrating their 50th birthday. The European Tour’s corporate identity features the iconic silhouette image of six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon who gives his name to The Harry Vardon Trophy, presented to the player who is crowned European Tour Number One and winner of The Race to Dubai at the end of the season.