Bryson DeChambeau Set to Make India Debut at International Series India

"Global Stars, Homegrown Talent, and a $2M Prize—India's Golfing Moment Arrives at New Delhi.

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GURUGRAM (India) – Bryson DeChambeau is set to make history this week as he competes in the International Series India, presented by DLF, which kicks off on Thursday at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram.

Anticipation is high, with massive crowds expected to witness the reigning U.S. Open champion’s first-ever appearance in India. DeChambeau, a two-time major winner, leads a 108-player field that includes 12 LIV Golf League players, top talents from the Asian Tour, and representatives from 25 nations.

At a packed pre-tournament press conference, DeChambeau expressed his excitement about playing in India.

“First off, I want to say thank you to all of India for welcoming me so warmly. I think the first time I started talking about it [coming to India] was last year and what the possibilities are here in India with the kids,” he said.

“Golf—though historically an older sport—is evolving into a younger sport, and showcasing what it can mean for future generations in India has always inspired me. My mission in golf is, first and foremost, to inspire and entertain, and, in a subtle way, to educate as well.”

Joining him in the tournament is Indian golf star Anirban Lahiri, his Crushers GC teammate in LIV Golf, who is one of 15 Indian players in the field. The four-day, 72-hole event will be played on the challenging 7,425-yard, Gary Player-designed course.

Lahiri, reflecting on his long association with the course, shared his excitement about playing in front of a home crowd.

“I first played here in 1999 at the Northern India Juniors, so it’s a place full of memories for me,” he said. “Having my father here today reminded me of how much has changed. It’s amazing to be back, playing in front of family and friends, and helping bring excitement to Indian golf.”

“I’m here first and foremost as a competitor, staying focused on my game. But I truly appreciate the responsibility that comes with it. Huge credit to DLF for going above and beyond to enhance the experience. I’d love to see us hit the 8,000–10,000 spectator mark daily—it would be a groundbreaking moment for golf in India,” he added.

With a prize purse of $2 million, the tournament marks the first stop on The International Series, a 10-event schedule that provides a pathway to the LIV Golf League.

DeChambeau will tee off in Group 21 alongside International Series Rankings champion Joaquin Niemann and Asian Tour Order of Merit winner John Catlin at 12:05 p.m. local time. Lahiri will begin his round 10 minutes earlier, playing with Crushers GC teammate Paul Casey and Carlos Ortiz of Torque GC.

Explaining his decision to compete in India, DeChambeau emphasized his broader mission in golf:

“My three guiding principles—educate, entertain, and inspire—are why I play the game. India has so much potential for golf, and I see this as an opportunity to help the sport grow here.”

Before the tournament, DeChambeau visited the Taj Mahal, an experience he found deeply moving.

“There was so much love and respect for the place,” he said. “I was lucky enough to go downstairs and see the resting place. The architecture, the white marble, the colors of the sky—it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”

However, his focus now shifts to a different architectural challenge—the notoriously difficult DLF Golf and Country Club course.

“It’s a diabolical course,” DeChambeau joked. “You have to be strategic, methodical, and precise. It’s not one you can overpower. The stretch from 16 to 18 is key—you can score well if you hit the right shots. I’m excited for the challenge.”

The tournament is the second stop on the Asian Tour, following last week’s Smart Infinity Philippine Open. With top players in the field and a growing golf fanbase in India, all eyes will be on Gurugram as DeChambeau and his fellow competitors battle for the title.

 

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