Chandigarh, Dec 18 (IANS) More than 113 non-residential Indians from 11 countries teed off Friday at the three-day Chandigarh Golfing Tour, an initiative of the local administration to promote tourism.
This tournament was launched three years ago by Chandigarh Golf Association (CGA) in association with tourism departments of Chandigarh and Haryana.

“So far this is the largest number of NRIs participating in this tournament. It will be played at sprawling courses of CGA, Panchkula Golf Club and Chandi Mandir Golf Club,” J.S. Cheema, general secretary of the organising committee, told IANS here Friday.

“Such tournaments will facilitate in the projection of Chandigarh and its neignbouring towns as one of the most sought after destination among golfers. World-class golfing facilities available here gives us an extra edge that depicts from the encouraging response that we are getting,” he added.

Americans are leading field with 62 participants followed by 18 from Canada. Seven each from Malaysia and Singapore, five from the England, four from Kuwait, three each from Dubai and Australia, two from Hong Kong and one each from Ghana and New Zealand make up the field.

“Apart from NRIs, special invitees of the sponsors, of this event, will also take part in this tournament. But prizes are reserved only for NRI players. The tournament will be played on a stroke play format and peoria scoring system will be applied,” stated Cheema.

The NRI getting the highest total score in the three days will get the ‘Golf Tourism Championship Trophy’. Along with it there are many other prizes to be won in various categories.