Golfer Chawrasia unperturbed with new Indian Open venue

New Delhi, March 1: Indian ace golfer S.S.P. Chawrasia, who is looking forward to defending his Hero Indian Open title, is unperturbed with having to tee up at a different venue for this years campaign, starting from March 9.

The Gary Player-designed DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram will be hosting the tournament this time. Earlier, the $1.75 million tournament was hosted by the iconic Delhi Golf Club here.

"This time, it's going to be a different course (than the Delhi Golf Club) and it may have a different feel. However, I'm still very excited and I'm looking forward to defending my title," said Chawrasia.

"I've played at DLF previously but it's now a totally different layout. It's going to be new for everyone and I'm sure the set-up will be good. I've heard it's a very tricky course," he added.

After a solid 2016 campaign where he won twice on the Asian Tour to finish sixth in the Order of Merit, Chawrasia has yet to get his game out of first gear in the new season, with a tied 35th finish in Perth being his best result.

Chawrasia, however, is optimistic that his fortunes will change when he steps onto the DLF course as the Indian Open champion.

"I've finished in second place on four occasions and to finally win it last year, it felt great. I was really happy as finally, I was the Indian Open champion and I had the trophy in my hands," he said.

"It's special because it's our national event. It's a very old tournament and every Indian golfer wants to win it at least once in their lifetime."

"When I arrive for the tournament every year, I'm always feeling very positive about myself. I guess it's because I've finished well on so many occasions. There's always a lot of positive energy when I'm at the tournament. I always feel good and I'm sure it'll be the same when I get back there," he added.