Somewhat quietly, 2017 is turning out to be a great year for Indian golf. Other than Aditi Ashok’s triumph in the Ladies European Tour, Indian men have notched up five wins on the European and Asian circuit. Express takes a look who’s done what...
Aditi Ashok
(Fatima Bint Memorial Ladies Open, Abu Dhabi)
Continues her impressive run beyond Indian shores. At just 19, she has already won thrice (two last year) on the European Tour — something no Indian man achieved at that age. Concentrates mostly on Europe other than LPGA and a world ranking of 105 shows she has what it takes to get better.
Shiv Kapur
(Yeangder Heritage, Taiwan; Panasonic Open, India)
Seems to have started a new chapter this year. Having won a first Asian title in 2005, ended a 12-year wait in Taiwan in April. Missed out narrowly in the next event in Thailand before bagging the title in New Delhi. Having played in Europe for a long time, might become more regular in Asia.
SSP Chawrasia
(Indian Open)
Winner for the second year in a row in the event co-sanctioned by European Tour, the Kolkata pro has not done as well as he would have liked on European soil. But he continues to be a force in familiar climes, as his superb run in India confirms. Second at the Panasonic Open.
Gaganjeet Bhullar
(Macao Open)
Has continued his resurgence from last year, when he won twice in Asia. Not going great other than tied-second at Thailand Open in May, lived up to his reputation of not throwing away good starts in Macau. Will be keen to get good finishes in events remaining.
Ajeetesh Sandhu
(Yeangder Players Championship, Taiwan)
The latest Indian to win in Asia, he took time after turning pro in 2008. But once he won that title, the 29-year-old posted tied-second finishes in two of the three events after that. As a result of that, his record in 8 appearances in Asia this year reads a win, twice second and a third.