New Delhi: Two-time major champion Bryson DeChambeau is the main attraction of the International Series India where 108 golfers will be in action including 12 LIV Golf League players at DLF Golf and Country Club.
It is the first time that the reigning US Open champion will play in India and will vie for top honours with the cream of the Asian Tour and 25 different nationalities.
“I think the first time I started talking about it [going to India] was last year and what the possibilities are here in India with the kids,” DeChambeau said.
“The ability for golf – as really a young sport but changing from an older sport into a young sport, is to showcase what golf can mean for the future generations of India. That has always inspired me. My mission in the game of golf is to first off, inspire, entertain, and a subtle part of it is educate as well.”
Explaining his reason to play in the Indian subcontinent for the first time, he said: “Educate, entertain, inspire are my main three principles – why I play the game of golf. I think this is an amazing opportunity for all of golf to come together and see what India can truly produce for the world.
“And it is a growing economy, it is a growing population that need golf. There is a lot more to come, so that is why I am here,” DeChambeau, who visited Taj Mahal on Tuesday, added.
Lahiri excited
Local hope Anirban Lahiri is the topmost Indian name among 15 in the field, for the four-day, 72-hole tournament that begins on Thursday.
“The first time I played here was in 1999, in Category C at the Northern India Juniors. It brings back a lot of memories.
“In fact, today my dad is here, and we were reminiscing about those days when this was considered way out of town. Now, it’s very much in town. A lot has changed, but the fond memories remain.
“When I look back, I realise how much I have learned and how much water has flowed under the bridge. I continue to grow as a player and as a person. I’m grateful for everything that has come my way. It’s amazing to be here, playing in front of my friends and family, and bringing excitement to Indian golf. It’s fantastic to be part of it.
“I’m trying to stay focused because I’m here as a competitor first. But I love the responsibility… Hats off to DLF – they have gone the extra mile to elevate everything. I hope we reach the 8,000–10,000 spectators per day mark because that will be a landmark achievement for golf in India.”
Tournament Information:
International Series India presented by DLF
Date: January 30 – February 2, 2025
Venue: DLF Golf and Country Club, Gurgaon, India
Par/Yards: Par 72 / 7,425 Yards
Purse: US$2million (winner: US$360,000)
Asian Tour leg: Second
The International Series leg: First
Edition of tournament: First
Total number of players: 108
Format: 72-hole stroke play with cut made after two rounds for the leading 65 pros plus ties
Field Breakdown:
Order of Merit winners: John Catlin (2024), Andy Ogletree (2023), Sihwan Kim (2022), Jazz Janewattananond (2019), Shubhankar Sharma (2018), Scott Hend (2016), Anirban Lahiri (2015), Jeev Milkha Singh (2008, 2006)
Nationalities: 25
Top contenders: Bryson DeChambeau (USA), Paul Casey (ENG), John Catlin (USA), Richard T. Lee (CAN), Anirban Lahiri (IND), Joaquin Niemann (CHI), Carlos Ortiz (MEX)
Highest ranked player on OWGR: Bryson DeChambeau (USA) #12
Highest ranked player on 2025 Asian Tour Order of Merit: Julien Sale (FRA) #1
Number of amateurs: 1
Number of Indian players in the field: 15
LIV Golf Players in the field: 13
It is the first time that Bryson DeChambeau will play in India in a field of 108 golfers, including 12 LIV Golf League players at DLF Golf and Country Club Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
