Kapur, Lahiri excited to tee-off with Woods

New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS) India’s leading golfers Shiv Kapur and Anirban Lahiri were excited with the prospect of playing a round of skins game with World No.1 Tiger Woods at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) here Tuesday.

It will be the first time that the two golfers will get a chance to interact personally with Woods. Both Kapur and Lahiri are sponsored by Hero Motocorp, the company that is behind Woods’ maiden visit to India.

Kapur told IANS that he was looking forward to learning a few tricks from Woods.

“I am really looking forward to playing a round of golf with Woods. I have played with him in the past in different tournaments but this the first time I will have a personal interaction with Woods. He comes across as a very easy-going person,” Kapur told IANS Monday.

Kapur hoped that Woods’ visit will encourage youngsters to take up the sport.

“Woods’ trip to India will certainly boost the profile of the sport in the country. Today Indian golfers are a force to reckon with the world over and with Woods’ visit it will surely boost the youngsters,” said Kapur.

Kapur, who is also a member of the DGC, said his club members are also excited to witness Woods playing at the beautiful golf course.

“I am sure my club members are also excited to see Woods play at the golf course. And I am sure some 1,000 people will be waiting outside the club just to have a glimpse of the World No.1,” he said.

Kapur said the cricket-crazy nation will turn to golf at least for a day courtesy Woods.

“Woods’ trip will not only create a buzz from the golfing but also from a whole Indian sports perspective. He is surely one of the biggest sports celebrities in the world and at least for a day, this cricket-crazy country will turn to golf,” he said.

Lahiri was also eagerly waiting for the match with Woods.

“We have all been waiting for this moment. This is huge news for Indian golf and this event can only increase the popularity of the sport in India. Personally for me, it is a great honour to be playing along side one of the biggest names in golf and I am thrilled to be given this opportunity,” Lahiri told IANS.

Woods, who arrived here Monday for his first visit to India, will be playing an exhibition match Tuesday that has been organised by leading motorcycle company Hero Motocorp.

Woods will be playing a round of golf with Pawan Munjal, CEO and managing director of Hero Motocorp, and some members at the premier Delhi Golf Club. The motorcycle makers are reportedly paying Woods $2.2 million dollars in appearance money for one day.