The numerous golf events in India that are organized for both men and women players Hero Honda Indian Open is touted to be the oldest international golf tourney. It is also an important and integral event in the Asian PGA Tour.
Before being rechristened to Hero Honda Indian Open, the Indian Open Tournament was played at the Delhi Golf Club. It was the result of the undying efforts of Peter Thomson the renowned 5 time British Open winner who took forth valuable steps and brought the issue of international golf tournament before the Indian Golf Union.
Hero Honda Indian Open
Peter Thomson won Indian Open trophy thrice in the years 1964, 1966 and 1976. Later, Guy Wolstenholme, Angel Miguel and Graham Marsh also marked their presence in this prestigious tournament.
However, in 1970 the Indian Open became more popular and stronger with being included in the Asian Golf Circuit. It was for the first time in 1991 that Ali Sher an Indian professional won this tournament and got the trophy for the nation. It was however just the beginning. Afterwards, more Indian golf professionals joined in the league and won the prestigious Indian Open trophy. The top seeded Indian golfers who walked away with glory were Feroze Ali (1998), Arjun Atwal (1999), Jyoti Randhawa (2000) and Vijay Kumar (2002).
It was in 1998 when Indian Open found Wills as its patron. However, in 2005 Hero Honda Motors and Indian Open made a tie-up and became popular as the Hero Honda Indian Open. A 3 year agreement was signed between the Hero Honda Motors and World Sport Group, the event promoter. Also, in 2005 it was for the first time that Hero Honda Indian Open tournament got its live broadcasting coverage on the ESPN STAR Sports network. It has never looked back ever since then.