Asian Games silver medalist Bajaj turns pro at Indian Open

New Delhi: Promising golfer Rahul Bajaj, a member of the Asian Games silver medal winning team, will turn professional at the 48th edition of the USD 1.25 million Hero Indian Open to be held from Thursday.

The 25-year-old Bajaj, who played alongside Rashid Khan, Abhinav Lohan and Abhijit Chadha at the Asian Games, has become the latest amateur to join the money ranks. Ecstatic to receive the sponsors invite, Bajaj said he will do his best to make an impact and has already worked on a few things in his game before taking the plunge. "I am overwhelmed to have received the sponsors invite for the Indian Open 2011 from Mr. Pawan Munjal. It is indeed a dream come true for me and would not have been possible without his blessings. I will do my best there to keep the flag flying high," said Bajaj after getting the coveted spot. "I am also thankful to Oil India Limited, who have supported me for so long in my amateur career." Interestingly, Rashid Khan, who was Bajaj`s teammate at the Asian Games, turned pro at the Indian Open last year, and another member of that squad, Abhinav Lohan has also turned pro this year and has been playing on the domestic Indian Tour. On why he took some time before turning professional after the Asian Games, Bajaj said, "I wanted to work on a few things in my game, especially the swing, etc to ensure that I make a good start. I have been working hard on it." Bajaj finished fifth in his last amateur event, the South Indian Amateur championships. PTI