Former Open Champion, Darren Clarke and last week’s KLM Open champion, Peter Hanson look set to join a number of fellow Europeans competing in the Hero Indian Open at Bangalore.

This year’s India event is growing in popularity for European Tour members given the likelihood the Andalucia Masters, being staged the same week from October 18th to 21st, will soon be officially dropped from the 2012 Race to Dubai schedule.

The $US 1.25m Hero Indian Open has already managed to sign Masters champions, Fred Couples (1992) and Angel Cabrera (2009), along with 2011 PGA winner, Keegan Bradley plus fellow American Nick Watney, Sweden’s Robert Karlsson and Scotland’s Richie Ramsay, winner of the recent Omega European Masters and runner-up last week in Holland.

A Hero Motocorp spokesperson said:  “We asked the  European Tour for a list of players who are willing to play in India and Hanson and Clarke are among the top names to make an appearance.

“In fact Clarke was even being considered for a sponsor’s spot in the last edition. Richie is also among the favourites.”

It is understood the motorcycle manufacturing giants are looking to spend $375,000 on appearance fees.

It would mean around $25,000 per player and include fligths and accommodation.

However popular Indian golfer, Shiv Kapur said the big problem for those heading to Bangalore is the lack of practice facilities at the course.