USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Tiger Woods remains hopeful of bringing competitive golf to India, a goal he has been working towards for over a decade. Despite being Hero MotoCorp’s Global Partner for 10 years, Woods has yet to compete in India, a situation he is eager to change in the future. In the meantime, Pawan Munjal, CEO of Hero MotoCorp, is thrilled to extend his partnership with Woods and the Hero World Challenge until 2030. This continued collaboration signifies a strong bond between Woods and Hero, benefiting both the brand and the golfer’s efforts. Munjal, who is a close friend of Woods, expressed immense excitement about the ongoing partnership and highlighted the inclusion of three Indian-origin players in the upcoming Hero World Challenge. This marks a significant milestone for Indian golf, as Sahith Theegala, Akshay Bhatia, and Aaron Rai, all of Indian heritage, will compete in the prestigious event.
On Thursday, December 5, 20 of the world’s top golfers will compete in the Hero World Challenge, offering a prize purse of USD 5 million. Accordingly, the inclusion of Theegala, Bhatia, and Rai in this elite field has sparked tremendous enthusiasm in India, as these players represent a growing presence of Indian talent on the global golfing stage. Munjal shared his pride in the involvement of the Indian-origin players, emphasizing the importance of their participation. “If you remember, we had Anirban Lahiri here at one time, which was a great moment in Indian golf,” he noted. “To have three players of Indian origin in the field with the best of the best is a huge achievement for India. This is a milestone in our journey to develop the sport in India.”
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Munjal also noted that while these players are representing the USA and England in the tournament, their Indian roots make their participation even more significant for golf fans in India. “We have been waiting for an Indian star to shine on the global golfing map. Even if these players are not directly from India, their heritage means the whole nation will take immense pride in their accomplishments,” Munjal added. Theegala, Bhatia, and Rai will make their debut at the Hero World Challenge, where they will compete alongside top names like Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 and defending champion. The tournament’s USD 1 million prize money for the winner is a testament to its growing importance, attracting the world’s elite players.
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Sahith Theegala, a rising star, has had an impressive year, including his victory at the 2023 Procore Championship and nine top-10 finishes. He also represented the USA in the President’s Cup, adding to his growing reputation on the PGA Tour. Similarly, Akshay Bhatia, who won the Valero Texas Open in a playoff against Denny McCarthy, is looking to build on his success and secure another title. Aaron Rai, representing England, comes into the event on the back of his victory at the 2024 Wyndham Championship and a consistent string of top-10 finishes over the past three years. Furthermore, Theegala holds a global ranking of 12th, Rai holds a ranking of 21st, and Bhatia holds a ranking of 31st, all within the world’s top 40 rankings, underscoring the significance of their participation. This trio exemplifies India’s growing influence in international golf and shows the potential for more Indian-origin players to make an impact on the PGA Tour in the coming years.
Further reflecting on the decade-long partnership between Hero and Woods, Munjal expressed gratitude for the mutual benefits of the collaboration. “The journey has been incredible,” he remarked. “The partnership with Woods has not only strengthened Hero’s brand globally but has also had a positive impact on the Woods Foundation. There were no second thoughts about extending this partnership until 2030.” Tiger Woods himself expressed his excitement about the continued partnership with Hero, acknowledging the company’s long-standing support for both him and his foundation. “It’s truly amazing to have Hero MotoCorp continue supporting us for another decade,” Woods said.
Although Woods is not yet physically ready to compete at the highest level due to ongoing recovery, his desire to return to competitive golf remains strong. “The fire still burns to compete,” he shared. “The challenge now is the recovery process, which is not what it used to be.” The Hero World Challenge will take place from December 5 to 8, and with world-class players like Scheffler in the field, the tournament promises to be an exciting start to the golfing season. As India’s influence in the sport continues to grow, the Hero World Challenge stands as a testament to the expanding reach of golf, both globally and within the Indian community.
