The Mercedes-Benz Trophy golf tournament is an exclusive, invitational event for discerning Mercedes aficionados. The third edition of the Mercedes Trophy golf tournament will kick off at the lush green KGA Wills Sport Golf Course, Bangalore, on Saturday, 1 February 2003, and all Mercedes-Benz friends and customers will be participating in this grand sporting event. International Management Group (IMG) will be the event manager for this exclusive event.

The name Mercedes-Benz has always stood for flawless drives. With the remarkable success of the first and second editions of the Mercedes Trophy golf tournaments in India in 2001 and 2002, this association has now acquired even more depth of meaning.

“The philosophy of the Mercedes Trophy is to bring our customers and friends closer through activities they would like to identify with and get them further associated with the Mercedes brand. Golf is a sporting activity that reflects our brand value of striving for perfection. And our friends and customers experience the spirit of the game with the Mercedes passion and enthusiasm,” says Hans-Michael Huber, managing director and CEO, DaimlerChrysler India.

The Mercedes Trophy is being played in most parts of the world where Mercedes-Benz has an official presence and is now celebrating over 12 years of ‘The Mercedes Trophy — Story of Success.’

The game attracts the crème-de-la-crème of the society and they fit the profile of Mercedes customers. DaimlerChrysler India has been committed to building an enduring relationship with friends and customers of Mercedes-Benz, not only by offering Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the latest technology, but extending rapport beyond through various other initiatives.

“The third edition of the Mercedes Trophy golf tournament in India promises to be a very highly sought-after event for all participants. Precision drives, smooth putts and sound swing mechanics will be order of the day. We at IMG are deeply honoured that Mercedes-Benz has entrusted us to handle their key customer relationship programme in India,” says Rishi Narain, director-golf, IMG (South Asia).

All players will have an opportunity to contest among one of the three distinct handicap divisions. The winners and runner-up in each of the three distinct handicap divisions at each of the three regional qualifier tournaments will be special guests of DaimlerChrysler India at the prestigious Mercedes Trophy National Final that will be played in Pune.

The three lucky winners at the national final will get a unique chance to participate at a Golfest of sorts, the Mercedes Trophy World Final 2003, which is an annual congregation of the finest-proven players and Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts to be played at Stuttgart, Germany, between 25 and 30 September 2003.

The Taj Group of Hotels will host the awards function at all the four cities and take care of the hospitality of our friends and customers. Mont Blanc will present their exquisite range of fine writing instruments and accessories to all lucky winners and runner-ups in each handicap category at the four tournaments.

The lucky winners of the Mercedes Trophy National Final 2003 will be flown by Swiss International Airlines to play at the Mercedes Trophy World Final at Stuttgart, Germany, between 25 and 30 September 2003. The Mercedes Trophy 2003 will be staged in India across the following cities and venues:

• Bangalore: 1 February 2003, KGA Wills Sport Golf Course
• New Delhi: 22 February 2003, DLF Golf & Country Club
• Mumbai: 2 March 2003, Willingdon Sports Club Final
• Pune: 8 March 2003, Poona Club Golf Course

Over 450 friends and customers of Mercedes-Benz will vie with each other for the winning title in 2003.