With ill mother’s blessing, SSP looks to shine at home
SSP Chawrasia’s journey from obscurity to golfing stardom has been about beating the odds, and in this mission, his mother stood firm as he strove on. On numerous occasions, SSP has acknowledged her influence, even mentioning how she diverted funds meant for the large household to support his golf. She is now battling it out in the intensive care unit of a Kolkata hospital, and SSP almost did not make it for this week’s Take Solutions Masters.
On a three-week break after a prolonged and rather fruitless run on the European Tour, SSP was preparing to leave for the Karnataka Golf Association when his mother took ill. “A bout of food poisoning led her sugar level to shoot up and aggravated the condition (diabetes),” he said. Even in her state, the mother insisted that he went, and it took some persuasion from the doctors to convince SSP.
SSP is determined to make it count this week despite not being in the best frame of mind. The form too hasn’t been great, but then that’s golf he says. It’s putting that let him down consist-
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ently in Europe, so much so that he’s discarded the putter he used for seven years. A new club in the bag, “the feel was good during practice but the actual test will come under pressure”, he said.
All his troubles on the course could well be swept aside as he tees off, as he’s recorded five of his six Asian Tour wins at home. Asked if the record played on the mind, SSP made light of the query. “A lot of players talk about it (the success in India) and some even seek tips to do well here. I don’t let that distract me as when on the course, the focus is on giving off your best. Who am I to give lessons as I still have so much to learn!”
SSP will not be the only one out to make a point. Khalin Joshi is out to make amends as well on his home course. Pipped to the title last year by Thailand’s Poom Saksansin by two shots, Khalin hopes to make it a memorable 26th birthday by capturing his maiden Asian Tour title. Unlike last year when he was battling to save his card on the tour, the mind is at ease and coupled with familiarity, Khalin could well be contender.