Jeev raises the Indian golfing benchmark

A ruthless major, only the current top 50 golfers in the world are exempt into this tournament, regardless of previous achievements. This was apparent after eight-time major champion Nick Faldo got in on after receiving an exemption from the United States Golf Association (USGA).

Meanwhile compatriot Greg Norman preferred to qualify, which he went on to win, rather than ask for a spot. Both failed to qualify on the basis of their current world rakings, along with Steve Elkington and Fred Couples. Professionals from various tour schools play the qualifying stages; only 154 make it to the final lineup. The field then gets split further, as 70 professionals and ties survive the cut to play over the weekend – under an intense media buildup.

For a country which till recently did not think it had the potential to gain international glory, the often-overlooked Indian golfers have done quite well. Arjun Atwal’s repeatedly mentioned European tour victory at the Singapore Open, his victories on the Asian PGA Tour, coupled with those of Jyoti Randhawa, Harmeet Kahlon and the first do to so — Jeev, have set new standards. While Gaurav Ghei – who holds the distinction of beating Colin Montgomerie in a head to head battle in the Dunhill Cup – and Jyoti have experienced the best of links golf at the Open Championship, this is the first time an Indian has gained entry to the US Open.

Over the last two days, approximately two thousand golfers singed good luck charts for Jeev at the Delhi and Chandigarh Golf courses. Most were in agreement that it is nice to see such an effort being made for golf, a change from the hype usually only created for the cricketers.

Long term, such achievements should also open up avenues for player and tournament sponsorship as well as increase support for junior programes.