Kathmandu, April 26

Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd is organising the Hyundai Open Golf Tournament at the Gokarna Golf Club this week.

In all, 100 golfers will take part in the sixth edition of the tournament, which will be played under stableford 3/4 handicap format, on Saturday.

The tournament features overall, gross, women, senior, junior and Hyundai Owners categories, informed Deepak Acharya, Senior Golf Director at Gokarna Golf Club.

“Unlike other events, the winners and runners-up in this event will receive attractive gift vouchers from the organisers and the sponsors,” said Acharya. “As we are not allowed to give prize money in amateur golf, the gift vouchers will help in attracting golfers for the event,” he added.

Apart from trophies, top three golfers in overall category will receive gift vouchers worth Rs 100,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively.

The gross section winner will get gift voucher worth Rs 50,000, while the women, senior and junior winners will receive gift vouchers worth Rs 20,000 each.

Likewise, the winners of longest drive, closest-to-the-pin, most birdies and Hyundai Owners categories will get gift vouchers worth Rs 10,000 apiece.

Also, the best maintained Hyundai vehicle among the participants will also be rewarded apart from free servicing for the golfers.

Awashis Ojha, Brand Manager of Laxmi InterContinental Pvt Ltd, said the event was part of Hyundai’s global involvement in sports. “We are associated with various international events including cricket and football World Cups and we want to contribute in Nepali sports as well,” said Ojha.

Laxmi InterContinental is also the sponsors of ‘A’ division football team, Manang Marshyangdi Club. “We came up with the idea of providing gift vouchers to the winners as we want to add something new in our tournament every year.

It not only adds value and respect to the event, but it also helps in attracting golfers which ultimately contributes in the development of the sport,” he added.

Ojha said Laxmi InterContinental was also planning to sponsor a pro event. “Not only the amateur event, we also have plans for a professional tournament,” he said.

Acharya, who is also the General Secretary of Nepal PGA, appreciated Laxmi InterContinental’s willingness to help Nepali golf.

“There are some technical formalities to be completed before announcing the tournament,” he added.