International Series to tee off on challenging DLF course

"It is playing fast, fast, fast," grinned the seasoned Rahil Gangjee.

- Shantanu Srivastava [e-mail]

GURUGRAM: The 46-year-old, who had an impressive last year finishing second on PGTI's Order of Merit, can't be faulted if he was wondering what kind of challenge the demanding DLF Golf and Country Club course will throw up for this week's International Series India event.

Three months ago, it left a strong field in the Hero Women's Indian Open lamenting. On all four days, they complained about the lightning fast greens where controlling their approach was so difficult, calling the course "unplayable" and "brutal". The winning score was 2-under.

Of course, men's golf is based on power. And the level of interest has zoomed because Bryson DeChambeau, who has wowed the golf world by making most courses play short for him, heads the field. With last year's US Open champion yet to take centrestage here, some of the other players acknowledged the likely difficulties the course is expected to pose the field. "This is a fantastic track that's always in great condition, and this week is no exception. The greens are fast and the conditions are tough, which is what makes this competition so challenging," Gangjee told reporters on Tuesday. Having got a feel of the course on Monday afternoon, he felt the key lay in execution and mindset.

"You have to back your strengths on a course like this. You have to attack, be positive. Everything also comes down to how well you execute your strokes.