India.Open

Australia’s Wade Ormsby believes good rest will be the perfect tonic for his title defence at the US$300,000 Panasonic Open India which starts from November 6 to 9.

Ormsby plans to take a week’s break from competitive golf before heading to the Panasonic Open India to defend his title which he won by one-shot at the Delhi Golf Club last year.

ā€œI treat every week the same but I’m trying to give myself the best chance. I will take a week’s break before the Panasonic Open India so I will feel fresh for my title defence. My game is alright and it is getting better,ā€ he said.

Ormsby will be joined by a strong line-up of Asian Tour stars which includes Rashid Khan of India, who won his first Asian Tour title at the Delhi Golf Club in March and an in-form Rahil Gangjee, who is ranked 13th on the Order of Merit.

A return to the Panasonic Open India will evoke a huge sense of achievement for Ormsby who secured his first career win after playing in over 200 events.

ā€œIt is always good to return to the place where you won your first event. I’m looking forward to returning to the Delhi Golf Club. It is a golf course which suits my game and which I play well on,ā€ said Ormsby.

ā€œYour first win is the big one because you are trying to get that monkey off your back. I played in over 200 events before winning. Before the win, you obviously ask yourself when or if you are ever going to get your first win. I’m glad I don’t have to ask that question anymore!ā€ he smiled.

The 34-year-old Ormsby, who earned his Asian Tour card at the 2012 Qualifying School in Thailand, remembers his victory vividly and credits a 25-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole which ultimately denied Boonchu Ruangkit of Thailand from becoming the oldest Asian Tour winner.

ā€œI played better at the start of the week last year and I knew I wasn’t playing well in the closing stretch. I hit a good shot on the 17th hole and made a 25-footer. All I wanted to do on the last was to find the fairway!

ā€œThere are always nerves for someone trying to win. It doesn’t matter if it is your first or 20th title. I think I handled it pretty well and it is nice to cross the finishing line,ā€ said Ormsby.

The Panasonic Open India returns on the Asian Tour Schedule for the fourth consecutive year.

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