Gallacher wins Indian Open; Rashid, Chikka best among Indians

GURUGRAM: Stephen Gallacher, who played in the final group last year, but finished tied-seventh, went all the way this time to end his five-year winless drought by taking the $1.75 million Hero Indian Open at the Gary Player layout at the DLF Golf and Country Club on Sunday.

Gallacher, 44, who last won in 2014 in Dubai, shot 71 to finish at nine-under 279 and was one shot clear of Masahiro Kawamura of Japan who carded 73 and totaled eight-under 280.

Pawan Munjal, chairman, Hero MotoCorp, gave away the Hero Indian Open Trophy and the cheque worth $291,660. The Asian Tour also presented Munjal with a salver for his outstanding contribution to Asian golf.

For Gallacher it was a special celebration. "It was great to have my son, Jack, on the bag and this being Mother's Day as well makes it even more special," said Gallacher. “I have always loved coming to India, I love my curries and to have my son, Jack, on the bag for the win was special,”

Bengaluru’s Chikkarangappa S and Rashid Khan of Delhi emerged as the best-placed home players.

Among other Indians, Shubhankar Sharma’s woes with the eighth continued as he put two balls into the water, after going into the lake once each on previous two days. He shot 75 and ended even par 288 for the week and was Tied-27th.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (71) rose to T-39th, two-time Hero Indian Open winner SSP Chawrasia (75) was T-45th, Ajeetesh Sandhu (75) was T-54th, while Rahil Gangjee (80) and Gaurav Pratap Singh (82) were T-69th ended well down the field as windy conditions on the final day hurt almost every golfer out on the course.