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India stars criticise Delhi course
The Lodhi course at Delhi Golf Club may not be up to scratch for the India Masters.
Last Modified: 06 Feb 2008 13:23 GMT

Jyoti Randhawa says the unseasonably cold weather may have affected the Lodhi course [GALLO/GETTY]

Some of India's top golfers have said they are unimpressed with the course at the Delhi Golf Club where the inaugural Indian Masters will be held this week, and expect other players to complain too.
 
Jyoti Randhawa, who grew up playing the par-71 Lodhi course, said it was only 50 per cent of what it can be, and blamed unseasonably cold weather.
"Frankly, I'm not very impressed with the way the course is right now," Randhawa said.
 
"I have never seen the Delhi Golf Club look this yellow. It's always green, lush, it's always very picturesque.
"But unfortunately we've been very unlucky with the weather, and that's the thing that's most damaging the greens.

"The only thing that I feel is that the Delhi Golf Club is not in its best condition for the pros to come and play it, and I'm quite sure a few of them might be complaining."

"I approve of a couple of the changes but some of the bunkers that have been put in I'm not excited about."

Shiv Kapur

Shiv Kapur, fellow Indian golfer, also had some harsh words for the course, which was built on the site of tombs left over from the Lodhi Dynasty of the 17th century.

Kapur felt it was in reasonable condition given the weather, but does not like changes that have been made.

"No, I don't actually. I approve of a couple of the changes but some of the bunkers that have been put in I'm not excited about," he said.

"If I was to set up the course, I'd shave the rough completely, have it hard and fast so the balls run into the bushes and take out those bunkers and let people have a rip with their drivers, then you'll see some big numbers."

In contrast, South African Ernie Els raved about the set-up, calling it a "classic."

"I think it's a wonderful golf course, an old-fashioned course," said the world number four.

"We've really got to shape the ball around the golf course and really think about the shots you want to use."

Source:
Agencies
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