2025 Indian Open Golf: Larrazabal Shines with Hero Shot Victory Over Kapur

Click to start listening
2025 Indian Open Golf: Larrazabal Shines with Hero Shot Victory Over Kapur

Synopsis

Pablo Larrazabal of Spain won the Hero Shot competition against Shiv Kapur of India, marking an exciting start to the 2025 Indian Open in Gurugram. Eight players demonstrated their skills and precision in this unique event, showcasing their golfing talents.

Key Takeaways

  • Pablo Larrazabal claimed victory in the Hero Shot competition.
  • Shiv Kapur was the runner-up in this thrilling contest.
  • The event featured a knockout format with eight participants.
  • Competitors showcased their skills in distance control challenges.
  • Total prize pool for the competition was US$ 10,000.

Gurugram, March 25 (NationPress) Pablo Larrazabal from Spain triumphed over Shiv Kapur of India in a distinctive Hero Shot challenge as the 2025 Indian Open launched with excitement. A total of eight competitors engaged in this extraordinary contest, which tested their skills and distance precision.

Besides the champion Larrazabal and runner-up Kapur, the lineup included Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp; the reigning titleholder Keita Nakajima; 2024 second-place finisher Veer Ahlawat; the previous year's Indian Open victor, Marcel Siem; Daniel Hillier; and Rafa Cabrera-Bello.

The final showdown between Larrazabal and Kapur showcased a blend of three essential skills, where competitors were scored based on distance accuracy. Participants were required to declare the distance they aimed to achieve with a Driver, a 5-iron, and a Pitching Wedge.

Each player had three attempts with every club, and the one who succeeded in two out of three skills emerged as the champion, with Larrazabal narrowly defeating Kapur to claim victory. The competition commenced with eight players in a knockout-style Shootout format, encompassing a Round of Eight, followed by semifinals, leading to the final.

The Round of Eight featured a Straight-Drive challenge, with all players receiving four attempts each. The four competitors who drove closest to the centerline advanced to the semifinals. Following this initial round, Larrazabal, Kapur, Dr Munjal, and Veer Ahlawat progressed. The semifinal consisted of a Closest to Pin challenge from 125 yards, where each player had six attempts, with the top two advancing to the final. Dr Munjal and Ahlawat were eliminated at this stage.

A large LED display linked to a TrackMan4 unit showcased the metrics and results for the audience to appreciate. The total prize pool amounted to US$ 10,000, with the winner receiving US$ 4,000 and the runner-up US$ 2,000.

On Wednesday, the leading players will participate in the Pro-Am event, while the main tournament kicks off on Thursday, featuring 138 players competing for a purse of US$ 2.25 million.