Inspired by Atwal, Gangjee sets sights on US shores

Gurgaon: He does not have the sponsors to take care of the expenses but inspired by good friend Arjun Atwal`s title triumph in the Wyndham Classic, Rahil Gangjee is is set to play qualifying tournaments to earn a US PGA Tour Card for next season.

Atwal won his maiden PGA title at last month`s Wyndham Classic and his success, six years after finishing seventh in the PGA Tour`s qualifying school, has motivated Gangjee to look for a change from his regular Asian Tour commitments. Gangjee, who is a neighbour of Atwal in Kolkata, now wants to follow his friend and try his luck in the US. The first stage of qualifying for the PGA Tour starts October 19. "For the last five years, Arjun has been calling me to the US and try there but I didn`t take it seriously," Gangjee, who has two wins and four top-10s on the domestic circuit this season, said. "I have been playing in the Asian Tour for five years and it has been good and I can play all my life there but I want to try something different now and will be playing in the qualifying school," he added. "Top 25 will earn a PGA tour card and the rest of the 50 will be in the Nationwide Tour, so let`s see." Gangjee`s PGA Tour ambitions don`t have a financial backer as of now but he is unfazed and is confident of making it on his own. "It won`t be easy. I didn`t get a sponsor and I still don`t have one so I will be on my own there," said Gangjee, who is currently playing in the DLF Masters at the DLF Golf and Country Club here. "Arjun`s success at the Wyndham Classic has been a big factor, an inspiration," he said. Gangjee said he wants to re-invent himself to avoid getting stuck in a mould. "The game is ok but I haven`t hit any hot streak of late. I want to challenge myself more. I need to change my atmosphere, it may work, who knows," he said. "The next week is off then I will play in Taiwan, Indonesia and Johar Bahru then the US qualifying tournament," he added. Asked if he will play in India this year, Gangjee said it will depend on how he performs in the PGA Qualifying Tournament. "If I can qualify for the PGA tour then it`s ok or else I will come and play in the Indian Open," he signed off. PTI