Seven months after winning his first Asian Tour title, Rashid Khan is back at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) and is planning a title assault at the $300,000 Panasonic Open, starting here from November 6.
The 23-year-old Rashid said the DGC has always been special for him.
“It’s like a second home to me. The biggest advantage is that I know this course very well. I have been playing here for the last 14 years.
“Everyone is excited to play at the Panasonic Open as all the top Indians have played at DGC,” Rashid, who is aiming to follow in the footsteps of top Indian players like Anirban lahiri and Digvijay Singh by winning the competition, said.
Rashid, however, will face strong competition from Asian Tour stars which include 2002 Order of Merit champion Jyoti Randhawa, two time Asian Tour winner SSP Chowrasia and Chiragh Kumar.
Chirag won a silver medal as an amateur at 2006 Asian Games before he turned pro and is looking for his first Asian Tour win. Chirag is currently placed 68th in the Order of Merit and is looking to boost his rank and performance. “My journey has been great and beautiful, I have had some great results over the years and I feel very comfortable playing here. It’s like my second home,” he told The Pioneer.
When asked about his preparations and strategies for the competition, the 30 year old said, “I have quite a few plans in my mind and I hope they work. I will put in my best effort and try to win. Everyone is looking for one big break which will change their career and I am hoping that Panasonic Open India will be my big break.”
The winner of the event will get a cash prize of $54,000. The Panasonic Open is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and will be returning for its fourth edition.
Anirban lahiri, winner of Macau Open last week, had won the inaugural edition.
Digvijay Singh and Wade Ormsby of Australia won the next two events.