Golf: Madras Open in Kodaikanal from Aug 7

Chennai, July 26: A keen contest is in the offing when the Madras Ladies Open and Handicap championship tees off at the hill station of Kodaikanal on August 7.

The four-round event, organised by the South India Ladies Golf Association (SILGA), had attracted more than 50 entries from across the country.

At a press conference here yesterday, tournament chairperson and eminent golfer Lalitha Balasubramaniam said nearly 18 golfers in the juniors and 12 in the sub-juniors section would be seen in action.

SILGA President Madhur Khanna outlined the efforts to promote the sport among women and their success in that direction to maintain the club's quasi official status.

The tournament, to be held at the Kodai Club, would be a 72 hole stroke play. The event was open to golfers with a valid handicap of 36. There would be three divisions, gold for handicap of 12 and below, silver for 13-24 handicap and bronze for 25-36 handicap.

The prestigious gold division would feature some top stars like Sharmila Nicolet of Karnataka, Shruti Khanna of Delhi, along with local competitors Lalitha Balasubramaniam and Rupa Gurunath.

The championship would be sponsored by India Cements, Punjab National Bank and Chennai Port.

UNI