Hero Indian Open Inspires Young Golfers: Veer Ahlawat on the Challenge and Growth of Indian Golf

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Gurugram, March 26: As the prestigious Hero Indian Open returns to the DLF Golf & Country Club, Veer Ahlawat is eager to build on his stellar performance from last year.

Ahlawat, who secured a DP World Tour card for this season by winning the PGTI Order of Merit, will be looking to go one step further after finishing tied-second in 2023. With 30 Indians, including four amateurs, in the field, the competition will be fierce as they aim to bring the coveted title back to India.

Reflecting on his performance in the 2023 edition, Ahlawat expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament. "I had a really good run here last year at the Hero Indian Open. To finish second in such a big event, especially as my first top-five finish on the DP World Tour, was a huge confidence boost," the 29-year-old golfer said.

Playing in front of a home crowd, Ahlawat felt the energy and support from the spectators, which will further fuel his motivation to improve his game. He also highlighted the significance of the Hero Indian Open for the growth of golf in India, particularly among young players. Also Read: Shubhankar Sharma Eyes Hero Indian Open Glory

"This tournament is great for golf in India. A lot of kids play golf here, and for them to see top professionals competing on such a challenging course is inspiring. This course demands a complete game - you have to hit it long and straight, and it tests every aspect of your skillset," he noted.

Acknowledging the presence of his compatriot Shubhankar Sharma, Ahlawat shared how he has benefitted from their interactions. "Yeah, for sure, he's a really good player. I've asked him a few times how to navigate this course, and he's been very helpful. I always look forward to playing practice rounds with him and trying to learn as much as possible from his experience," Ahlawat remarked.

Ahlawat admitted that his season has started modestly but remains optimistic about his form. "I had a 27th-place finish, which wasn't great, but the good thing is that my game feels good. I believe I have a lot more to offer, and I can definitely do better as the season progresses."

Talking about his experience on the DP World Tour, Ahlawat acknowledged the increased level of competition. "Most of the tournaments at the start of this season were in the Middle East, South Africa, and Asia - some of the courses I was familiar with. But what changed was the strength of the field. You really have to play at a high level to break into the top 10 or top 5. I realised that I need to work on specific areas of my game to consistently be up there," he explained.