‘Travelling and challenging yourself is the only way to get better’

Do you go abroad with a set target or is it just for experience?
When there is so much money being spent on you, one can’t just think of gaining experience. The idea is to use that to get better and to start being in contention at big events.

What would you consider a good performance in the first year?
Because of my exemption, I don’t have to worry about the order of merit right now. What I want to do is to understand how to adapt my game, adapt to the new conditions and make it solid enough to last.

How is the tour and set-up different from India or Asia?
The biggest thing there is the visibility. If you do well you’re spotted very easily, so it’s easier to get sponsors. If there is a manager it becomes all the more convenient. The facilities are great, there is access to good equipment and the idea is to ensure that the player has to only worry about his game.

What is the biggest challenge for the sport right now in India?
The lack of enough sponsorship. The sponsors need to come out and commit. I spent my own money while on the Asian Tour. For a young guy it can be really hard to go abroad and play on his own if you don’t have a sponsor, especially if the results don’t come immediately. Then we need big tournaments that attract TV and mass attention. We need more big events to come here.

How much can public courses help in the growth of the game?
Of course, access to playing is really the key.

What about coaching?
Well, the competition is only growing, so you need to keep working on getting better. Now we have coaches who have trained abroad and who’re attuned to the international scene, so things have changed for the better.

Is the idea of living out of a suitcase also an intimidating one?
It is at first. But you get used to it. Golf is a lonely sport, but then being on the road is the best thing you can do for your game. Travelling and challenging yourself is the only way to get better.