At the recent Masters golf tournament, some of the best players in golf shared their thoughts on how India can produce its first major golf champion. Since Gaurav Ghei became the first Indian to qualify for a major tournament in 1997, only a few Indian male golfers have played in these big competitions. Anirban Lahiri had the best finish in 2015, coming in fifth at the PGA Championship.
Jack Nicklaus, who has won 18 major championships, believes that Indian golfers need better access to top golf tours and that younger players should have someone to look up to. He mentioned that in Europe, when players like Bernhard Langer appeared, they inspired others like Seve Ballesteros. Nicklaus said, “You have the talent in India, but you also need more golf facilities to help young players grow.”
Tom Watson, who has won the Open Championship five times, pointed out that India needs more golf courses. He said there are only about 220 golf courses in India, most of which are not open to the public. He emphasized that golf must be more accessible for kids, similar to how kids play cricket in India.
Gary Player, a three-time Masters champion, added that having strong physical skills, good teaching methods, and a strong mindset are crucial for success. He mentioned that the teaching of golf today isn’t as good as it used to be, and what really makes champions is their mental toughness and dedication.
In conclusion, these golf legends agree that with better facilities, proper training, and inspiration from successful players, India can have its own major champion one day.
Leave a Reply