Karanjit takes aim, drives

Instead, it was the sweet sound of the driver hitting a golf ball that was music to the ears of the 27-year-old. So at 17, with barely four years after he first started learning the sport, Sandhu decided to give golf a serious go, leaving brother Manavjit the only shooter in the family.

8220;I just enjoyed golf a lot more and even though I had begun playing only when I was 13, it felt like it was my true calling,8221; Sandhu told Sportline on Friday after finished his second round at the Bilt Open in Greater Noida.

With the season-ending event yet to reach the halfway stage after two days of fog delays, Sandhu isn8217;t yet sure if he8217;s going to make it to the weekend rounds, but with a late charge, he has put himself in the contention.

But this is probably one of the few blemishes on an otherwise bright season. With a whirlwind amateur career that lasted two years but included a win 8212; the inter-zonal tournament in 2004, Sandhu turned professional when the new tour was launched in 2006.

Now two years later, he feels he8217;s on the right learning curve up.

8220;Golf is a sport where you have a lot of time to improve yourself as a player. And so I don8217;t think that my short amateur stint goes against me,8221; Sandhu said.

Sandhu finished 53rd on the Order of Merit in his first season last year, this year, with the last event on, Sandhu has moved up to the 28th spot. In fact, Sandhu8217;s best finish was a tied fifth at the DLF Masters at his home course.

Proud older brother Manavjit is ready with tips on dealing with the pressures of competition. 8220;I really respect his achievements and we do talk about life as a sportsperson,8221; he said.

His goal of winning an event might come true this season, but the dream lives on.