Golfers set for world challenge

 

In the fray at this windy, dune-dominated course that winds through a series of switchbacks and around a central lake alongside the likes of world number one Jordan Spieth. Major winners Zach Johnson, Bubba Watson, Justin Rose and Adam Scott will be competing along with Anirban Lahiri, and the Bengaluru-based golfer is looking forward to the challenge.

 

“I’ve always believed that I can compete with the best players in the world. And it’s nice to see how my game has progressed, how my belief has progressed and it’s great to be here,” Lahiri said, alongside Woods and title sponsor Pawan Munjal of Hero MotoCorp.

 

Heading into its 20th year, the Challenge will be played outside of the United States for the first time and has drawn possibly its most competitive field. Said Woods, “To have the field that we have, it’s by far the best we’ve ever had.

 

“Jordan and Adam (Scott) have both come from Australia to come play. I know they’ve had a busy offseason and playing. Adam’s just basically coming here for the week and going right back home, so his commitment to this event and to this project here has been phenomenal.

 

“So to have these types of relationships, these types of players coming here and supporting what we’re trying to do for kids, not just domestically but eventually globally, it’s absolutely fantastic,” the 14-time Major winner added.

 

Another feature this year is the number of young guns in the field with as many as seven of the 18 invitees in their twenties including Spieth, Patrick Reed, Jimmy Walker, Brooks Kopeka, J.B. Holmes and Lahiri. Joining Anirban in another first will be Hideki Matsuyama, the first from Japan at this event.