Bengaluru: David Gleeson of Australia is hoping to turn the corner with a successful title defence at the US$1.25 million Hero Indian Open from October 18 to 21.
Gleeson struggled with a stomach infection late last year which resulted in an unusual string of 10 missed cuts starting from November and into the 2012 Asian Tour season.
The stomach infection caused the Australian to lose considerable amount of weight which eventually took its toll on his golf game.
“My form fell off completely because I had a stomach infection which I couldn’t get rid off for five months. It was a shame because I was playing so well. I got so weak that I had to change my driver to try and get the ball going,” said the three-time Asian Tour winner.
“But I’ve regained my health now and my game is slowly coming back and I’m getting the distances I want. That’s the part of getting older and trying to be healthier and sustaining a Tour life,” added Gleeson.
The Hero Indian Open will move to the Karnataka Golf Association in Bengaluru for the first time in the tournament’s illustrious history and Gleeson is looking forward to the new challenge.
“Whenever you go back to a tournament which you’ve won before, there’s always a good vibe and feeling. I heard the golf course is good and I’m going to a new city and that’s always good fun,” he said.
Gleeson, who is also known for his musical talent, romped to a three-shot victory over local hope Chiragh Kumar last year and is determined to find his winning groove again.
“It is always great to have the ball in your control. I was in a good frame of mind that week and the ball went reasonably where I wanted it to go. It was one of those weeks where a lot of things were going my way,” he smiled.
“It is always more motivation when you defend a title. I don’t think there’s any more pressure than we give ourselves any other week. Possibly there will be more attention given to me compared to other weeks but that’s a good thing,” added the 34-year-old.
Anirban Lahiri, who hails from Bengaluru, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Himmat Rai, S.S.P. Chowrasia and Jyoti Randhawa, all Asian Tour winners, will lead the local challenge at the Hero Indian Open.
By Indian Sports News Network
