Chennai: Ishwar Achanta has become the first Indian to officiate in a golf tournament in the world, the Holden Australian open, being held from November 21 to 24 at the Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne.

Achanta, a reputed amateur golfer from Chennai, has been nominated as rules official (referee) for the tournament.

Australiasia Tour director Trevor Herden and Australian Golf Union manager (rules and handicapping) Ton Duguid in a letter to Achanta, said, "We are pleased to confirm that AGU is happy involve you in the rules officiating at this year's Australian Open."

The tournament offers a prize fund of $ 1.5 million. Thirty six-year-old Achanta, who has been playing the game since the age of eight, has acquired substantial knowledge of the rules. He passed the refereeing and rules examination with distinction at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Scotland, in January this year.

He officiated as a referee at the professional golfer association's (PGA) Hero Honda Tour this year and is awaiting permanent empanelling on the tour.

Achanta said that his dream would not have come true, but for the help extended by G Rajagopal, president, Indian Golf Union, Dilip Thomas, secretary, Asia-Pacific Golfer Union and Vino Mammem, vice-chairman, MRF Limited.

PTI