
I would like to begin this piece by recounting a little surprise I got during my visit to the United Kingdom to watch the British Open last week.
While I was browsing through a daily I was surprised, and delighted, to see news of the launch press conference of the Royal Challenge Indian Amateur tour. This proves that Indian golf has finally arrived on the world stage, and hats off to Royal Challenge for making it happen.
The influence Indian golf is having around the world can be gauged by the recent performances of juniors. Amanjyot did the country proud by clinching the Silver Division of the British Juniors. Young Viraat Badhwar is another golfer who kept the Indian flag fluttering by finishing second at the World Junior Golf Championship at San Diego, California.
I must complement the Indian Golf Union for providing the infrastructure for youngsters to showcase their talent. When I played, there was no structured tour and sponsorship was restricted to other sports, but today we have a structured tour in place. I again thank the sponsors for making all this possible. It is their effort and support to the amateur Tour that has propelled Indian golf to a new level.
Even as I write this column, action at the Royal Challenge Northern India Amateur Golf Championship is hotting up with the likes of Gaganjeet Bhullar, Manav Jaini, Gagan Varma and Himmat Rai battling it out.
8211;BRANDON DE SOUZA