Sentosa: Indian golfers, including star Chandigarh pro Jeev Milkha Singh on Friday attributed their global success on the exposure they got by playing on the Asian Tour.
From the likes of Jeev, Arjun Atwal, Gaganjeet Bhullar,
Gaurav Ghei, Shiv Kapur, SSP Chowrasia, C Muniyappa, Feroz Ali
to Anirban Lahiri all have excelled after launching their
careers from the Asian Tour.
India holds the proud record of producing the most number
of Asian Tour Order of Merit champions, through Jeev in 2006
and 2008, Atwal in 2004 and Jyoti Randhawa, the country's
first Asian number one in 2002.
Jeev, who holds six wins in Asia and is now an honorary
member of the Asian Tour, credited the Tour for giving him the
platform to launch his career.
"This is where I started from and I will never forget
that. I will always go back and support the Asian Tour. The
way the Asian Tour has grown is fantastic to see. I feel and
strongly believe that the Asian Tour will continue to grow and
produce top-class players," said Jeev.
Atwal, who has won seven times on the Asian Tour, said
the region's circuit, which has travelled to 19 different
countries over the years, helped him shape well.
"My first Q-school was in 1995 and just to learn how to
make cuts and be in contention and finally win, all those I
learnt on the Asian Tour," said Atwal.
Asian Games gold medal winner Shiv led the new wave by
winning the 2005 Volvo Masters of Asia and since then, a
string of other young guns have burst through.
Chowrasia and Muniyappa, who grew up through humble
beginnings, scored magical victories in 2008 and 2009 that
transformed their lives while Bhullar broke through last year
to win his first title en route to finishing sixth on the
Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Lahiri and Himmat Rai are other young players touted for
a big future.
Asian Tour's executive chairman Kyi Hla Han said he will
continue to work closely with the Professional Golf Tour of
India (PGTI) and Indian Golf Union to ensure that the game
remains on the crest of a wave in the nation.
"We have a close association with the PGTI and will
continue to seek initiatives to grow the game in India and on
the Asian Tour," said Han.
PTI
First Published: Friday, February 05, 2010, 19:27