Golf chose me: Mann

Least surprised however, is Mann. 8220;I keep telling myself, there is no reason why I shouldn8217;t be doing well,8221; he says.

Says the Chandigarh boy: 8220;It8217;s another day at work. Just one round of golf. I8217;ll just try to keep up what I did, do better. I like to take it one hole at a time.8221;

Sports is in the family 8212; grandfather was an athlete, father played tennis 8212; and Mann tried variety in school athletics, tennis, football, golf. At 17 he decided to play in his hometown amateur golf event, and won. Played one in Kolkata, and won that. Was sent to Singapore representing India, and won that too. He knew what he had to do thereafter.

8220;It was really golf that chose me. It just happened,8221; he says, 8220;though I still played soccer passionately till last year. A thigh-hip muscle injury, took me off that.8221;

Then he headed for the United States 8212; Arizona State University. 8220;I played and saw the best of players and the best course. I also realised that I was good enough and had what it took to play top-level pro golf. My coach at the university also convinced me to take the plunge,8221; he says.

He topped the domestic Q-school, but since then the journey has not been all smooth. 8220;I would say it8217;s been a struggle. There8217;s a lot more I can do,8221; he says.

Recent Asian Tour results have shown an upswing. In May this year, he finished tied ninth at the Macau Open in China. He8217;s getting closer to his target.