Shubhankar must stay grounded, have right people around
TOP TALENT Shubhankar Sharma’s next challenge is adapting to conditions on European circuit, but golfers like him are fast learners SHUBHANKAR WILL GET TO PLAY A LOT BUT HE NEEDS TO BE CAREFUL AND CHOOSE WHAT’S BEST FOR HIM .
final round of the Maybank Championship), and it was an exhilarating experience. A kid of 21 taking on some of the best in the world and holding his own is the stuff dreams are made of. Again, it was his inner trust, the urge to get the job done come what may, that saw him through.
It’s tough to believe that at such a tender age he will feature in the Open Championship and World Golf Championship (in Mexico). At world No 72, there is every chance he could break into the top 50 and also win the Asian Tour’s order of merit. When that happens he will get into the other Majors and WGCs, but it will also get tougher as he will be competing with the cream. To ensure he stays there, Shubhankar will have to keep doing what he has all these years.
Winning the Maybank Championship after the Joburg Open affirms that he has a future on the European Tour and playing in mainland Europe will be a learning experience, especially countering the weather and wind. I too had to adjust when I ventured out, like getting used to hitting the wind shots, but kids these days are quick learners given the awareness levels and knowledge at their disposal.
Playing opportunities will grow as Shubhankar moves on but he needs to be careful and choose what’s best for him. Of particular importance is managing his schedule. He should be playing for three-four weeks at the most and then take a break. If injured, do not venture out, stay back and fix it.
The sky is the limit for Shubhankar and he will keep pushing the boundaries, but more than that he is an inspiration for youngsters. If I can turn the clock back and say if Jeev Milkha Singh could achieve a world ranking of 28 (in 2009), so can a young aspirant. Belief has seen Shubhankar come this far and many more milestones lie ahead but he needs to stay grounded and surround himself with the right people. Doing so will help rebound quicker. Setbacks are part of life.