March 18th 2011, New Delhi, India: The focus falls back on India next week when the Asian Tour returns for the SAIL Open, reflecting the growing importance of the sub-continent in the professional golf scene.

The Avantha Masters raised the curtains for the 2011 Asian Tour season last month while the SAIL Open will maintain the momentum at the Delhi Golf Club from March 22 to 25 (Tuesday to Friday).

While cricket continues to dominate headlines, golf in India has certainly taken a giant leap in popularity, thanks largely to the unwavering support from sponsors, the PGTI and memorable victories by the Indian golf stars.

Arjun Atwal

With a deep pool of talent available in the country, it is no surprise that India holds the record for producing the most number of Asian Tour Order of Merit winners through Jeev Milkha Singh in 2006 and 2008, Jyoti Randhawa, the country’s first Asian number one in 2002 and Arjun Atwal, winner in 2003.

Atwal has reiterated time and again on how he benefited greatly from competing on the Asian Tour which subsequently provided his launch pad onto the PGA Tour where he became the first Indian to win in the United States last year.

In total, Singh, Randhawa and Atwal have won a combined 21 Asian Tour titles and have notched collective earnings of US$7,192,162.

Singh, who is currently second on the Asian Tour career earnings with over US$2 million, hailed the Asian Tour’s presence in India where 14 tournaments amounting to a staggering US$13.5 million have been staged over the last seven years.

“This is where I started from and I will never forget that,” said Singh, who is also an Asian Tour Honorary Member.

“The way the Asian Tour has grown is fantastic to see. I feel and strongly believe that the Asian Tour will continue to grow and produce top-class players.”

In recent times, players such as S.S.P. Chowrasia have grown into a world-class performers, thanks largely to victories in co-sanctioned events with the European Tour. Chowrasia currently leads the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit following his victory in the Avantha Masters last month.

“The Asian Tour has given me a lot of opportunities to enhance my career and my life,” said Chowrasia, the son of a greenskeeper.

Atwal believes that the Indian newcomers now have every opportunity to sharpen their professional teeth on the Asian Tour.

“My first Qschool was in 1995 and just to learn how to make cuts and finally be in contention and finally win, all those I learnt on the Asian Tour,” said Atwal.

“Those were the best years of my life. I still say it. I had so much fun and everyone are so close. You still see the guys out here, it’s great.”

Gaurav Ghei, Feroz Ali, Shiv Kapur and C. Muniyappa have also etched their names onto the Asian Tour’s winners circle with life-changing victories and have paved the way for the emergence of a new breed of young Indian hopefuls.

Gaganjeet Bhullar is touted as one of the brightest prospects to emerge and is well on his way to fulfilling his ambitions as India’s next big thing.

After winning two Asian Tour titles, Bhullar will carry the weight on his shoulder where he will lead a cast of talented Indians including Anirban Lahiri and Himmat Rai into a new and exciting chapter for Indian golf.

With such magical moments decorating the annals of golf history in India, it is only a matter of time before the sport reaches the pinnacle of its potential.