New Delhi, 02-06-2017
Chawrasia & Kapur shine for India in first half of 2017
If one was to take stock of the performances of Indian golfers at the international level so far in 2017, two names will stand out, SSP Chawrasia and Shiv Kapur.
SSP Chawrasia, a winner of two titles last season, continued his golden run with a successful title defence at this year’s Indian Open where he bagged his fourth European Tour trophy after a thumping seven-shot win. The win at the European & Asian Tour joint sanctioned event has placed Chawrasia at an impressive second in the current Asian Tour Order of Merit. He now trails the merit list leader American David Lipsky by just US$ 32,000.
SSP, whose previous best Asian Tour Order of Merit finish was third in 2011, now has the opportunity to claim the No. 1 spot in Asia for the first time in his career. The 39-year-old currently also occupies 42nd place in the European Tour Race to Dubai where he looks all set to improve upon his previous best of 80th achieved in 2011.
Shiv Kapur’s prime form this season has fashioned the revival of his international career. Kapur became the second Indian winner of the season when he ended his 11-year victory drought on the Asian Tour with his triumph at the Yeangder Heritage. He followed that up with a joint runner-up finish at the very next event, the Thailand Open.
Kapur’s Asian Tour campaign has gathered steam of late, as he has not once but twice shown tremendous mental strength by shooting scores of eight-under to shake up the leaderboard on the final day. Shiv, currently placed ninth on the Asian Tour money list, now enjoys the momentum to make further inroads in the second half of the season.
Shubhankar Sharma, though not a tournament winner, has been the other bright spot for India so far this year. Playing only his second season on the Asian Tour, young Shubhankar has posted three top-10s and a tied 11th finish to be placed a creditable 12th on the Order of Merit.
Sharma’s recent results signal his arrival as the next big Indian talent on the international stage. As the 20-year-old looks good to gain further ground, 2017 might just turn out to be his breakthrough year.
Indian star Anirban Lahiri has gone without a win for two years but has been in decent form this season on the PGA Tour and the Asian Tour. Lahiri, despite some brilliant starts in the US, has so far managed a top-10 and three other top-25s on the PGA Tour to be ranked 92nd in the FedEx Cup standings. He is also well-placed at eighth on the Asian Tour thanks to two top-10s.
Gaganjeet Bhullar, currently occupying 14th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, is the fifth Indian in the top-20 of Asia. Bhullar, a double winner last year, has shown signs of returning to his best having recently clinched tied second place at the Thailand Open along with compatriot Shiv Kapur. He will be another Indian in the mix in the latter half of the season.
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.
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