The Gera Golf Cup starts off on March 16, as Pune's big-wigs prepare to battle it out for the prestigious trophy.

It is time for another tee-off on the grounds in the city. The Mercedes Open Golf Cup is just over, and the Gera Cup is scheduled for March 16 at the Pune Golf Cup. This is the sixth year that this amateur tournament will be played in Pune. PT met up with theo rganisers and the participants, Kumar Gera, the chief organizer of this cup tells us that there are 44 teams participating in the tournament this year. The tournament is going to be played on a modified stable ford format. However there are certain aspects that make this tournament unique. Says Rohit Gera, "This is the only tournament in Pune, which is played over 27 holes. Usually the other tourneys are played over 18 holes. Besides that, to make it interesting, we will be keeping consolation prizes for bad performances as well as this year". That means that the shortest drive, or a shot going into water, will win prizes. At present, there are around 90 participants battling for the cup, and according to Kumar Gera, "there is a waiting list of around 20".

Mahim Tikekar, who has been regularly participating in the tournament, points out that, the tournament is really grueling, for it is played in the summer heat , and "27 holes take the toll on the participants". Another participant, Vikram Mansukhani adds, "This year though, our aim should not be to win prizes for a bad performance!"

All the city's golf big wigs will tee-off, this Sunday for the tournament. Star attractions include Atul Kirloskar, Meher Nicholson, and P V Shirke. The winners of the tournament get a two kg silver trophy, besides other prizes that are there in the offing. Kumar Gera explains that the tournament was started as a source of financial aid for the Golf Club. "But over the years, it has become quite big." he says. It promises to be an absorbing day this Sunday, what with interesting teams like various father-son duos also participating in the tournament. Such pairs include Manish and Rohan Jetha, A Chinoy and H Chinoy, and many others.