CHENNAI: Gaganjeet Bhullar started 2016 ranked 637 in the world. After winning two titles on the Asian Tour, he ended the year at 169. SSP Chawrasia started 2016 ranked 213. Despite a title each on the European and Asian Tour and touching a career-best 151, he began this year at 214.
The contrasting tales of India’s No 2 and 3 explain how things unfolded before and after the high points. Playing on the Asian Tour, Bhullar did better on average. Trying his luck on the tougher European circuit, Chawrasia missed cut in 10 of the 15 events.
If this shows that the Kolkata pro has to lift his game in order to make a mark at a higher level, his 2017 has started on no different note. On the Asian leg of the European Tour, comparatively easier because of familiarity, he finished tied 70th in the first event, missed cut in the second and is in similar danger in the third, having carded five-over in the first round in Dubai on Thursday.
“Ranking not improving despite winning titles is something that bugs me. Blame my performance in Europe for it. No excuses. I didn’t play many events in Asia and didn’t do well in Europe. And because I’ll play mostly in Europe again, I’ve to do better to be placed higher,” Chawrasia told Express before the Dubai event.
The 38-year-old has a bit of history to fight against. The first seven of his eight career titles — three European and five Asian Tour — came on Indian soil. Having broken the away jinx in Manila last November at an Asian Tour event, he is still to become consistent in unfamiliar conditions. His poor record in Europe reflects that.
“There has been the odd problem with putting. In general, weather and courses in Europe takes a bit of time getting used to. And it’s the second toughest field in the world. Competition is so stiff and gap between players so narrow that it’s difficult to make up, if you’ve suffered an early slip. Having said that, I’m hopeful and this year will give a better idea of where I stand. It’s just started.”
With permit to play in Europe for three years in the bag, thanks to last year’s Indian Open win, Chawrasia has to do something he has not done yet to make this venture more fruitful.
atreyo@newindianexpress.com