Bangalore, Aug 21: The Hero Indian Open 2012 will be held at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) in Bangalore for the first time in the tournament's illustrious history, the organisers announced on Tuesday.

The Indian Golf Union (IGU), Nimbus Sport and Asian Tour stated in a media release that the 49th edition of the prestigious Hero Indian Open will be staged from Oct 18 to 21, 2012 with a prize purse of US$1.25 million.

India's National Open, in its legacy of 48 years, has so far been held only in New Delhi and Kolkata. With the event now moving to Bangalore, more fans from across the country will be able to watch top quality golf more closely.

Announcing this, Manjit Singh, President, Indian Golf Union said, "The Indian Open has been the pride of Indian golf for 48 years on the trot. Starting from 1964, the IGU has ensured that the tournament is conducted in all its glory."

Sumit Rathor, President, KGA said, "On behalf of the Managing Committee we are privileged and pleased to host the jewel in the crown of Indian golf - The Hero Indian Open. It is indeed our pleasure to see the momentous tournament come down south and showcase some of the best golfing talents across Asia. The 7,227 yards, par 72 course will be presented in prime condition, a force to reckon with challenging golfers and hopefully creating some great golfing moments along the way for golf fans to witness."

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han lauded the move to take the Hero Indian Open to a new destination, saying it will help grow professional golf across the sub-continent nation. "On behalf of our players, we welcome the decision to stage the Hero Indian Open in Bangalore. With support from a great sponsor in Hero MotoCorp Ltd, the championship will continue to drive the development of the game in India and Asia."

As India's oldest running international sporting competition, its continued popularity has also inspired many aspiring young golfers to pick up the game, making it one of the fastest growing sports in the sub-continent. With the tournament moving to southern India, aspiring golfers down that region will get to witness its stellar field in action.

Since its inauguration in 1964, the Indian Open has discovered many of the country's finest talents, including the likes of Arjun Atwal, Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Kapur and Gaganjeet Bhullar.

The Indian Open has also attracted a stellar field of international players in the past such as Edoardo Molinari, David Gleeson, Paul McGinley, Rikard Karlberg, Daniel Chopra, Mark Brown and Darren Beck.

OneIndia News