Jakarta, Indonesia, 16-12-2018
Shubhankar Sharma presented Asian Tour Order of Merit trophy for 2018
Sets sights on greater goals in 2019
Twenty-two-year-old Indian golfing sensation Shubhankar Sharma, who topped the 2018 Asian Tour Order of Merit with earnings of US$ 755,994, was presented the Order of Merit trophy on Sunday in Jakarta during the Asian Tour’s Annual Awards Night following the culmination of the season with the completion of the year-ending BNI Indonesian Masters.
On receiving the award, an elated Shubhankar said, “I’ll remember the year 2018 for the rest of my life. I’ve played all the Majors, all the WGCs and won the Arjuna Award as well as the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
“I’ve always dreamt of winning the Order of Merit since turning professional in 2013. I used to watch the Asian Tour on TV, seeing the likes of Jyoti Randhawa, Arjun Atwal, Jeev Milkha Singh and Anirban Lahiri, who have all won the merit title. I am honoured to be part of that illustrious list.”
His victory at the Maybank Championship in February, his crowning glory of the season, was undoubtedly instrumental in him winning the merit race and unsurprisingly, that particular tournament stood out for him the most.
“The most memorable moment for me this year was winning the Maybank Championship. That started things off for me,” explained Sharma, with a smile.
Sharma credits his success to his family, who have given him unconditional support on and off the golf course. They accompanied him on his Major debut at the Masters. Their presence kept him grounded and lifted him spiritually.
“I’m really happy that the whole family enjoyed themselves at Augusta National. My sister, with whom I share a very close bond, wrote a piece for the Associated Press documenting my journey. I’m very glad she’s been recognised for her talent.”
He added, “My family has always supported me. You always need a team, you can’t do it alone.
“They’ve been there ever since I started golf. It has been a great deal for them. It was good news after good news. Everyone was glued onto the TV if they were not on the course. I owe a lot of my success to my family.”
With the year coming to an end, Sharma has already set his sights on accomplishing even greater goals in 2019.
“Playing in all four Majors again will be my number one goal. I am also aiming to play well in Europe and finishing in a strong position in the Race to Dubai.”
In more good news for Indian golf, both Gaganjeet Bhullar and Rahil Gangjee recorded their career-best finishes on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. While Bhullar claimed fourth spot on the merit list, Gangjee came in 10th. Bhullar’s previous best was fifth place in 2012 and 2013 while Gangjee’s previous best was 19th place in 2006 and 2014. Both players won an event each on the Asian Tour this year.
Khalin Joshi, who won his maiden international event on the tour this season, signed off in 17th place on the money list.
Shiv Kapur, who finished sixth at the season-ending BNI Indonesian Masters on Sunday, ended 22nd in Asia.
Chikkarangappa in 25th and Ajeetesh Sandhu in 28th were the other two Indians in the top-30.
Rookie Viraj Madappa, another new winner this year, closed the season in a creditable 35th place after a solid tied ninth finish at the BNI Indonesian Masters.
Arjun Atwal occupied 47th place on the money list and was therefore the ninth Indian to finish inside the top-60 this season.
Source: Asian Tour
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