Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma is set to face some tough competition at the US$2 million International Series India, which kicks off this week in Gurugram. Although much of the attention will be on LIV Golf superstars like Bryson DeChambeau, the reigning US Open champion, and Joaquin Niemann, the 2024 International Series rankings leader, Sharma knows that Indian golfers have become formidable contenders over the years. This event, taking place from January 30 to February 2 at the DLF Golf and Country Club, promises to be a fierce battle, with many local players ready to make their mark.
The Rise of Indian Golf: A New Era
Sharma attributes the recent rise of Indian golf to the consistent exposure Indian players have gained on the Asian Tour and The International Series, which have allowed them to hone their skills through regular, high-level competition. Indian golf, once relatively unknown on the international stage, has grown rapidly, with several local players rising through the ranks.
“Over the past decade, Indian golf has made remarkable progress since I embarked on my professional journey,” states Sharma. “A lot of Indian players have sharpened their game through the Asian Tour, which is the platform where my own career took off.”
Key Contenders in the Field
The event in Gurugram will see a mix of established stars and rising talents. Sharma is particularly wary of his fellow Indian golfers, many of whom have been steadily improving.
Anirban Lahiri, a member of LIV Golf’s Crushers GC, will be one of the key players, alongside DeChambeau and Paul Casey. Along with Gaganjeet Bhullar, an 11-time Asian Tour winner, Lahiri will be one of the local favorites, with veterans like Jeev Milkha Singh, S.S.P. Chawrasia, and Shiv Kapur also competing.
Other proven players include Ajeetesh Sandhu, Rashid Khan, and Rahil Gangjee, who together have five wins on the Asian Tour. The event will also feature Yuvraj Sandhu, who finished T4 at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in October, and Karandeep Khochhar, who finished runner-up at the BNI Indonesian Masters and T5 at the Volvo China Open in 2023. These rising stars are eager to make an impact and challenge the more experienced players.
Sharma’s Personal Journey in Golf
Sharma, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, reflects on the remarkable progress of Indian golf over the years. He credits much of his own success to the Asian Tour, which played a crucial role in shaping his career. Notably, Sharma won the 2018 Asian Tour Order of Merit, a victory that marked a major milestone in his career. He views the Asian Tour as his home and acknowledges its significance in developing his game on the international stage.
“Securing the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2018 was a defining milestone in my career.” It was my inaugural major title, and the Asian Tour has consistently been the cornerstone of my journey,” says Sharma.
The Increasing Depth and Competition
Sharma is also excited about the increasing level of competition on the Asian Tour, particularly with the addition of The International Series, which has added greater depth to the field. He has witnessed this growth firsthand, particularly during his recent appearance at the Saudi International in Riyadh, where he competed against a world-class field.
“I competed in Riyadh at the close of last season, and I witnessed the intense level of competition. The scoring was low, yet for me, it was truly incredible,” Sharma reveals.
A Homecoming for Sharma
For Sharma, returning to India and playing on the Asian Tour feels like a homecoming. The familiarity of the surroundings, along with the relaxed atmosphere and camaraderie among fellow Indian golfers, makes this tournament particularly special. Sharma enjoys the chance to reconnect with the local golf community and compete in front of his home fans.
“It’s much more relaxed, and I know everyone, so it’s a great atmosphere,” says Sharma.
The US$2 million International Series India will undoubtedly be a thrilling event, with Sharma and his fellow Indian golfers poised to take on formidable international challengers. As the tournament progresses, golf fans can expect an exciting battle and a glimpse into the future of Indian golf.
Key Players to Watch:
- Shubhankar Sharma
- Anirban Lahiri
- Gaganjeet Bhullar
- Jeev Milkha Singh
- S.S.P. Chawrasia
- Shiv Kapur
- Ajeetesh Sandhu
- Rashid Khan
- Rahil Gangjee
- Yuvraj Sandhu
- Karandeep Khochhar
This week’s event is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the history of the tournament, and with the rise of Indian golf, it’s clear that the future of the sport in the country is bright.
