Andhra Open to debut in Visakhapatnam with ₹1 crore purse

Visakhapatnam will host the inaugural Andhra Open on the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) from April 7-10, with a ₹1 crore purse, as the East Point Golf Club (EPGC) continues to establish itself as a venue for top-level professional golf.

The tournament was announced at a press conference on Monday, where Andhra Pradesh Golf Association (APGA) president M.S.N. Raju, Prabhash Thakur, the Director (PGTI Championships), P.R.K. Rao, APGA secretary unveiled the trophy.

The event, the third PGTI tournament to be staged at the venue, has attracted a field of 132 players. The line-up includes Saptak Talwar, Veer Ahlawat, Om Prakash Chouhan, Manu Gandas, Angad Cheema, Honey Baisoya and Ajeetesh Sandhu. The foreign contingent features 18 players from nine countries, led by Sri Lanka’s N. Thangaraja.

The local challenge will be led by S. Muthu and Mohammed Rahman from Visakhapatnam.

The 6,871-yard, par-72 course, set amid hills and water bodies, has drawn favourable response from players. “The backdrop here, with these hills, is something we do not often see. The challenge it offers is exceptional,” Mr. Talwar said.

Mr. Cheema noted that it is “a challenging layout that helps develop one’s skills further”.

The tournament will follow the standard PGTI format, with 132 players competing over the first two rounds, after which the top 50 and ties will progress to the final stages. The winner is expected to receive about ₹15 lakh, according to PGTI officials.

Highlighting the venue’s evolution, EPGC honorary secretary Mr. Raju said, “Established in 1884, the club has developed steadily and was transformed into a championship course by 2021. It was recognised as the Best Renovated Golf Course in India in 2022. Hosting PGTI events has helped establish its credentials as a venue capable of staging top-level professional tournaments.”

He added that the club has placed emphasis on grassroots development. “We are training around 100 children and also providing free coaching and equipment to underprivileged youngsters,” he said. He said the club is also expanding its infrastructure, including clubhouse facilities, accommodation, banquet and meeting spaces, and plans to introduce night golf.

Officials said the event aligns with the State government’s emphasis on promoting sports and tourism under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Live telecast of the tournament will be available on television and digital platforms.