New Delhi, India: S.S.P Chawrasia has been named the Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Month for March after his dominant defence of his Hero Indian Open title on home soil.

 

Chawrasia once again delighted the home fans by storming to victory at DLF Golf and Country Club to continue his remarkable record in his national Open, having been runner up on four occasions before eventually triumphing for the first time in 2016.

 

 

In difficult weather conditions, the 38 year old carded a one under par closing round of 71 to win by an impressive seven stroke margin from Malaysia’s Gavin Green, with Scotland’s Scott Jamieson and Italy’s Matteo Manassero a further shot back.

 

It was his fourth European Tour title, with all four wins coming on home soil following previous victories in the EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters in 2008 and the Avantha Masters in 2011 before his Hero Indian Open double.

 

(S.S.P Chawraia, source: Getty image)

Chawrasia said: “I am very happy to win the Hilton Golfer of the Month and to receive the hotel service and everything that goes with it. To win back-to-back Indian Open’s was very exciting and hopefully there will be more to come.”

 

Chawrasia, who receives 50,000 Hilton Honors points to add to his Diamond Elite Status was voted the winner of the March award ahead of Spaniard Jon Rahm, who enjoyed a superb start to his career as a European Tour member by finishing third in the WGC-Mexico Championship and runner-up in the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who was runner up in Mexico, came third in the vote which is decided by members of the golfing media.

 

Panel member Iain Carter, BBC’s golf correspondent, said: “S.S.P's performance in retaining his home title was a magnificent achievement.  Players prioritise their national Opens but that rarely translates into victory.  S.S.P not only retained the Hero Indian Open he did it in emphatic style, winning by seven shots. Jon Rahm's efforts in the WGC's were excellent and make him a worthy runner up for the March award.

 

Hilton, the Official Hotel Supplier to the European Tour, is the Official Sponsor of the European Tour Golfer of the Month award, which recognises and rewards the best performances of European Tour Members each month.