The Johnnie Walker Classic is only the second European tour event to be played in India. The Indian Masters was the first and came earlier this month. It was played at the Delhi Golf Club, and ended on 10 February with the right result: SSP Chowrasia, of Kolkata, won to give the country a debut winner in its debut bow on the major circuit.
The JW Classic is being played at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon, which is around a 45-minute drive from New Delhi. At the close of the opening day another Indian, Shamin Khan, a 30-year-old former caddy at the Delhi Golf Club, heads the leaderboard having shot a five-under 67. He holds that position with Daniel Vancsik, an Argentine.
So, this is good news for the Indian public. Except, it is not too clear how many will be able to come and watch over the coming rounds to see if Khan can continue an attempt to claim a tournament that Tiger Woods and Ernie Els have each won twice.
Today there were sparse crowds, but that is not unnormal for an opening day. But what might also be confusing the Indian public are two concerns. First, there are signs saying no one under 25 is allowed (maybe because the major sponsor makes alcohol), yet there are children here. And also, it is impossible just to come along and buy a ticket. Passes can only be obtained from five local hotels, which hardly encourages spontaneity.
It is certainly a different way to promote the biggest-ever tournament in the country...
