Hero Indian Open 2025: Keita Nakajima Eyes Historic Title Defence, Aims to Emulate Kenji Hosoishi-SSP Chawrasia

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Gurugram, March 25: Defending champion Keita Nakajima is determined to etch his name in history as he prepares for the Hero Indian Open 2025.

The Japanese golfer, who secured his maiden DP World Tour title in dominant fashion last year, is hoping to replicate the feat and join an elite list of back-to-back winners, including his compatriot Kenji Hosoishi (1967-68), the first person to do so.

Nakajima, 24, clinched the 2024 Hero Indian Open with a wire-to-wire victory, finishing 17 under par and securing a four-shot lead over a strong field. Reflecting on his win, the young star admitted he still doesn't know how he managed the triumph but believes patience will be crucial in defending his crown.

"Last year, winning here was so great. It gave me a lot of confidence in my first season, and I was able to play all the way to the Tour Championship in Dubai," Nakajima said ahead of the tournament.

Chasing History at the Hero India Open

Nakajima aims to become the fourth golfer to successfully defend the Indian Open title, following in the footsteps of Kenji Hosoishi (1967-68), Jyoti Randhawa (2006-07), and SSP Chawrasia (2016-17).

Chawrasia, however, is the only golfer to have conquered the challenging DLF Golf & Country Club, which now hosts the prestigious Indian competition. Known for its tough layout, the course will test the world's top golfers between March 27 and 30, making it one of the most prestigious golf events in Asia.

His dominant win last year saw him start the final round with a four-shot lead, extending it to nine shots at the turn, before sealing victory despite a challenging back nine. Now, he is focused on a repeat performance. "This is a tough course, and I don't know how I won last year, but I will just stay patient. I am honoured to be back as the defending champion, and of course, I want to win again," he added.

Marcel Siem of Germany, who is the 2023 Hero Indian Open Champion, said, "The win in 2023 was very special. I took yesterday off, it was quite exhausting in Singapore and when I just arrived here all the memories came back."

"I had a long stretch where I didn't win a tournament and it meant a lot to me and Hero Indian Open kickstarted my career again in a way. So I'm very, very happy to be back," the 44-year-old added further.

Aiming for the PGA Tour

After a brief break due to back pain post-Olympics, Nakajima returned to action this season, making a strong statement with a runner-up finish at the Porsche Singapore Classic last week. His ultimate goal is to earn a PGA Tour card and join the growing contingent of Japanese players excelling on golf's biggest stage.

"There are five Japanese players on the PGA Tour right now, and it's so good for Japan. I want to join them," said Nakajima, a former World No.1 amateur for 87 weeks.

An Albatross in January For Nakajima

In January, Nakajima pulled off a spectacular albatross during the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, sinking his second shot from 236 yards with a five-wood, much to the delight of the cheering grandstand crowd.

This marked his first-ever albatross on the DP World Tour and the second in the 2025 Race to Dubai, following CJ du Plessis' feat at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open. The moment of brilliance helped him finish at five under in the season's first Rolex Series event.

Stellar Field at the Hero India Open

The $2.25 million tournament boasts a strong international field, including 16 DP World Tour winners from the last two seasons. Nakajima will face stiff competition but remains confident in his ability to defend the title.

With history in sight and a potential PGA Tour future ahead, all eyes will be on Keita Nakajima as he tees off at the DLF Golf & Country Club this Thursday.