06-03-2018
Shubhankar Sharma gets an invite to the Masters, 21-year-old set to become only the fourth and the youngest Indian to play the event
Rising Indian star Shubhankar Sharma’s career continues to progress at break-neck speed. The 21-year-old, who skyrocketed from 462 to 66 in the world rankings in the last three months, courtesy two wins on the European Tour and a tied ninth finish at the WGC – Mexico Championship last week, has now added another feather to his cap.
The European Tour and Asian Tour Order of Merit leader has accepted an invitation to compete at the 2018 Masters to be held next month. The Chandigarh lad is thus set to become the fourth Indian after Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal and Anirban Lahiri, to appear at the year’s first Major.
Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, made the announcement on Tuesday, saying, “Golf is a global game, and throughout our history we have extended invitations to deserving international players not otherwise qualified. As his results have proven, Shubhankar Sharma is a remarkable young player, and we look forward to welcoming him to Augusta National in April.”
Sharma, who held the 54-hole lead at his first PGA Tour and WGC event in Mexico last week, will be creating another record by becoming the youngest Indian to play the Masters. The previous record was held by Anirban Lahiri, who made his maiden appearance at the tournament at age 27 in 2015.
Interestingly, Shubhankar is now also set to be the first Indian to make his Major debut at the Masters. He had already qualified for the 2018 British Open post his first international triumph at the European Tour’s Joburg Open in December last year.
The Army officer’s son, who followed up his maiden European Tour win in South Africa with another at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia in February this year, will go down in the record books as the eighth Indian to play a Major after Gaurav Ghei (1997), Jyoti Randhawa (2000), Jeev Milkha Singh (2002), Arjun Atwal (2004), Shiv Kapur (2006), Gaganjeet Bhullar (2009) and Anirban Lahiri (2012).
Come April, Shubhankar at 21 years and eight months, will also have the honour of being the second-youngest Indian to play a Major. Gaganjeet Bhullar, who played the 2009 British Open at 21 years and two months, still holds the record for being the youngest Indian to appear at a Major.
Mr. Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO, PGTI, said, “Our heartiest congratulations to Shubhankar on being invited to the Masters. It is a just reward for his accomplishments. Shubhankar’s outstanding achievements in recent months have raised the bar several notches for Indian professional golf. We would like to compliment him for his strong work-ethic and never-say-die attitude that have helped him win laurels for the country.
“Shubhankar’s rise on the global stage is a reflection of the constantly growing stature of India in the golfing world. The PGTI will continue to strive to provide maximum playing opportunities for Indian professionals that will serve as a launch-pad for their international careers.”
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Kapil Dev (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
