Hero Indian Open 2025: Aiming for a Historic Win, Gaganjeet Bhullar Claims Weather Could Play a Decisive Role

Add as a preferred source on Google

Gaganjeet Bhullar, one of India's most accomplished professional golfers, is all set to compete in the Hero Indian Open 2025 with renewed determination.

Having played in this prestigious event since turning pro in 2007, Bhullar is eager to claim his first international victory on home soil.

Chasing a Long-Awaited Triumph

Despite his extensive success on international tours, Bhullar (36) has yet to taste victory at the Indian Open, a tournament that holds deep significance for him and Indian golf enthusiasts.

"I have played well at the DLF Golf and Country Club, and winning this tournament is definitely on the back of my mind. It would mean a lot, not just for me but for Indian fans as well," the Amritsar-born golfer said.

The Hero Indian Open has a rich history, with Indian legends like Jyoti Randhawa, SSP Chawrasia, and Anirban Lahiri lifting the trophy. Bhullar - who currently plays on the Asian Tour - hopes to add his name to this esteemed list, emphasizing how such victories inspire the next generation of golfers.

"Winning here sends a very positive message to young golfers in India. Kids watch us play and dream of making the country proud. That's why this tournament is more than just a personal goal - it's about shaping the future of Indian golf."

Indian Golfers Eyeing a Breakthrough

The last Indian to win the Hero Indian Open was SSP Chawrasia in 2017, and Bhullar sees this as extra motivation. He acknowledges that India has not produced as many young breakthrough stars in recent years but remains optimistic about a new wave of talent emerging soon.

"We are proud of what Veer Ahlawat did last year, and I hope he secures his place on the DP World Tour. There's no shortage of talent in India - it's just a matter of time before we see a new generation of stars."

A Star-Studded Field

The Hero Indian Open 2025 boasts one of the strongest fields ever assembled on Indian soil. Among the 138 players, several recent DP World Tour winners will be vying for the title. These include Richard Mansell (Porsche Singapore Classic), Callum Hill (Joburg Open), John Parry (AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open), Johannes Veerman (Nedbank Golf), and Ryggs Johnston (ISPS Handa Australian Open).

Additionally, four of the current top 10 players in the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai rankings will be in action - Parry (3rd), Daniel Hillier (5th), Veerman (9th), and Mansell (10th). The field also features 12 winners from the 2024 DPWT season, making the competition fiercer than ever.

Shubhankar Sharma will lead the home charge alongside last year's runner-up Veer Ahlawat, and DP World Tour winner Bhullar, who claimed the 2018 Fiji International title.

Current Form and Course Strategy

Bhullar enters the Hero Indian Open after competing in three tournaments this year, including the Macau Open. While he has been striking the ball well, he admits that his scoring needs improvement.

"Last week in Macau, I was hitting 15-16 greens in regulation each day, but I struggled with scoring. That's something I need to work on this week. The course is playing tougher and firmer than it was a month ago, so hitting fairways and making putts will be crucial."

The DLF Golf and Country Club presents unique challenges, with undulating greens and demanding fairways. Bhullar believes that course management and avoiding three-putts will be key factors for success.

Love for the DP World Tour

Having spent multiple seasons competing on the DP World Tour, Bhullar is well aware of the high level of competition. "I played four years as a full member and another four with conditional status. The tour is incredibly competitive, but I loved everything about it - the locations, the courses, and the players. I would love to return full-time one day."

Weather Could Play a Pivotal Role

As for the winning score, Bhullar believes weather conditions will be a major factor. "It's hard to predict, but a lot depends on the wind. If conditions remain calm, I see a double-digit under-par score winning this week. However, if we get strong westerly winds, which are common in North India around this time, the course could play much tougher," he signed off.