Respect Augusta, don’t be overawed: Jeev to Sharma
AUGUSTA (US): As Shubhankar Sharma makes his dream Masters debut this week, there is one Indian golfer uniquely equipped to give him the best possible advise — Jeev Milkha Singh.
Jeev became the first Indian to qualify for the Masters in 2007 and has the most appearances in the first major of the year. Hailing from Chandigarh, the same city as Sharma, Jeev has the best finish recorded by an Indian in the tournament when he finished tied 25th in 2008. Singh spoke on the challenges posed by Augusta National course and how Sharma should embrace them.
Enjoy the moment:
As they say at the Masters, playing the tournament is not a right, it is a privilege. The Masters is a very special tournament, and Augusta National is a very special place.
We have grown up dreaming of playing the Masters, and winning it. I remember my first drive through the Magnolia Lane — I had goosebumps all over me. But Shubhankar should realise that he has earned the right to play alongside the best. The most important thing for him would be not to put pressure on himself. He needs to enjoy the moment and good things will come his way.
Respect the course, but don’t get intimidated by it:
Augusta National is a tough course. It throws punches at you every time and it is up to you whether you want to defend yourself, or attack. Understanding the greens and your approach shots are key. You need to miss it on the right side. There are pin positions on the course that can be attacked, and there are pins you have to play 20-30 feet away from to give yourself the best chance. Getting your head around the undulations on the greens is very important.
You’ve got to respect a course like Augusta National, but it is also very important not to get intimidated by it. Let’s not forget that all 18 holes, however difficult they may play, would yield a few birdies to the field.
Every bad shot is an opportunity to wow the world:
There will be thousands of patrons following you each day, and millions on TV. You have to derive positivity from the fans and use them to your advantage.
You can always hit a bad shot. When you do that, don’t think how the crowd would judge you. Look at that situation as an opportunity from the Golfing Gods to showcase just how good you are and wow the fans.