On his maiden visit to India, Woods mesmerises Capital with his immaculate play during an exhibition match as thousands turn up to watch World No. 1 golfer
He came, he played, and he mesmerised! Dressed in a blue T-shirt and black trousers teamed with a white cap, the phenomenon called Tiger Woods descended upon the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) on a warm Tuesday morning and left the sea of spectators awestruck with his immaculate play and swagger.
Delhi’s maiden tryst with Woods was a blockbuster. Each shot, each putt, every one of his moves was applauded by the fans, who followed him to every corner of the course for around four hours. Woods was also generous in acknowledging the admirers as he hit birdie after birdie for nine-under score.
Spectators were fascinated to see Tiger in flesh and blood, walking, talking, joking and doing what he does best — playing golf. “I had never imagined that I would ever see Tiger play from so close. I think we all should be grateful to the organisers for their vision. He is a legend,” said one spectator to another.
Woods also seemed happy to see his fan-following in a country he had never visited. “It’s hard to describe how much fun I had today. Thanks so much for the time, it was an absolute blast,” Woods, who donated a portion of earning from the event to a charity, said.
“Arjun (Atwal) told me so much about India and I am happy to be here. I would love to come back,” he added.
The World No.1 golfer Woods is on his first ever trip to India on the invitation of well known golf enthusiast Pawan Munjal, CEO and Managing Director of Hero MotoCorp. The 38-year-old golfer played full 18-holes alongside Munjal and his guests as part of an exhibition match. First nine holes were exclusive for Munjal. After that, the 14-time Major winner took turns to play with business honchos, media barons and star Indian golfers.
On 10th and 11th, the legendary golfer was accompanied by Rajiv Singh of DlF and Justice Vikramajit Sen of the Supreme Court. One of India’s top female golfers Sharmila Nicollet joined Woods on 12th and 13th before media personalities Prannoy Roy (NDTV) and Aveek Sarkar (ABP) joined Woods.
On the last three holes, it was a skins challenge between two teams — Pawan Munjal-Tiger Woods vs Shiv Kapur-Anirban lahiri.
The challenge fittingly ended in a draw with Kapur winning the 17th and 18th holes with a birdie and Munjal and Woods taking the 18th hole with both hitting birdies.
It wasn’t just spectators who felt overjoyed to see Woods, Anirban too sounded excited to have played with the legend, although it was just an exhibition match.
“Nice to know that he is a human being!,” three Asian Tour title winner Anirban said when asked about his experience with Woods.
“We all make him to be larger than life. Every time you meet someone, some great player, whom you watch on TV do all those seemingly impossible things and then you meet them and realise that he is like you and me, flesh and blood. That makes you believe that you can do it as well. So that’s very inspiring,” he added.
Kapur said, “Playing alongside Tiger was a great feeling. The 17th hole birdie was a good moment, specially to do it in front of the home crowd. It was a fabulous and different experience.”
Nicollet was also excited about her meeting with Woods.
“It was a dream come true to play along with Tiger Woods. I was thrilled as well as nervous. It would always be one of the greatest memories of my life.”
Munjal, having seen such great response from all quarters, promised to bring Woods to play a tournament in India soon. “let me say that this will not be his (Woods) last visit here,” he said.