Bhatiary waiting to enthral golfers

The Bhatiary Golf & Country Club (BGCC) in Chittagong is all set to host its first-ever international golf tournament, the American Express Chittagong Open, from March 29 with participation of top golfers from India, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh.

Some 126 golfers including Bangladesh's ace golfer Siddikur Rahman will be competing in the Tk 50 lakh event, co-sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and Bangladesh Professional Golfers' Association (BPGA).

The details of the event was revealed at a press conference at a hotel in Dhaka yesterday where City Bank was unveiled as the title sponsors while BSRM, Elite Paint and Pedrollo were named co-sponsors.

"We are happy to be associated with golf again as City Bank got itself first involved in amateur golf in 2010 and continued it for the following two years successfully. We hope Chittagong Open will be a great event," said Mashrur Arefin, additional managing director and chief communications officer of City Bank.

BGCC executive member and media committee chief Major (Rtd) Emdadul Islam believes participating golfers will enjoy every moment at the BGCC which is situated in a scenic area of small hills and valleys.

"It is a beautiful golf course. The golfers can have a view of the Bay of Bengal from the 14th hole of the course, which has unique and different shape at each of its 18 holes," Islam said.

Two-time Asian tour winner Siddikur is also excited to participate in the Chittagong Open as he is going to play at the BGCC for the first time in 14 years, the first time since turning professional in 2007. 

"I'm very excited because of good training. I am looking forward to the next week," Siddikur said.

"I don't have any particular expectation for this event because I am going through some changes in my game in terms of technique, strategy and stamina which will continue till July. However, if I can play my normal game, I can go ahead of others by 10 strokes. I think if I can play according to my potential, I can easily win the event," said Siddikur, who missed cut in the last two Asian Tour events in India and Australia.