Indian Masters cancelled
The Indian Masters, scheduled to take place in New Delhi in February, has been cancelled for 2009 due to “economic uncertainty and security concerns”.
The event, co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours plus the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) was due to be held from February 5 to 8 but will now not return to the schedule until 2010 at the earliest.
The global financial crisis has played a part in the decision, as has the increased security threat in India following the recent Mumbai terror attacks.
Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of event promoters ’Golf in Dubai’, said: “We have done everything possible to ensure that the second edition of the Indian Masters was played in 2009 but with this tournament we considered that the current economic uncertainty coupled to security concerns made it impossible for us to present the tournament in the manner that we would wish to for world-class golfers.
“The inaugural edition of the Indian Masters played earlier this year created quite a buzz in India with the home-grown talent and SSP Chowrasia beating a strong field to take the honours.
“The tournament, the first on the European Tour to be played in India, provided the home players an opportunity to hone their competitive skills in the company of some of the world’s finest players and we are confident that we will achieve this again in 2010.
George O’Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, said: “We share with ’Golf in Dubai’ their disappointment that the Indian Masters will not be played in 2009.
“We understand, however, the economic challenges they face with title sponsorship and we are optimistic that this event which was such a success when first played in 2008 at the superb Delhi Golf Club will return to the schedule in 2010 co-sanctioned by The European Tour, the Asian Tour and the PGTI.”
