The rise of the silent assassin
Jeev Milkha Singh calls him the silent assassin. And that’s just the way Shubhankar Sharma, Indian golf ’ s new boy wonder has gone about his job. Low profile, high achievement. Just a week after wowing the world with a standout performance at the WGC Mexico event, Sharma was at it again on his home course, at his national Open, cracking the record at the treacherous DLF GCC’s Black Knight course with an eight under par round on day two of the ongoing Hero 54th Indian Open.
And this is what some of India’s highest golfing achievers have to say of the Iceman.
Arjun Atwal, first Indian winner
on PGA TOUR
I met Shubhankar when he was 17 or 18 years old at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club when he came over to play in the Indian Tour season- ending tournament. I liked him right away as he came across as a mature person. He has like an older soul and I kind of gelled with him right away and liked how he came across as a person.
Over time, I’ve played practice rounds with him, and followed his progress on the Indian and Asian Tours and at a young age, it was good to see his progress. To me, he has a very calm attitude. I like that about him. He doesn’t get flustered, he takes everything in his stride and that’s what I’ve always noticed about him. He’s been very level headed since I’ve known him. I can’t see him being upset or cussing. He reminds me of me when I was younger.
It’s amazing to see what he’s doing at the age of 21. Shubhankar has got the type of game that you can’t pinpoint what he needs to improve or get better. There’s nothing that he’s very exceptional at but the thing is that every part of his game he’s very good at doing.
Anirban Lahiri, PGA Tour
member
When I first met Shubhankar, I thought he was a very mature kid, he’s always has been like that. The fact that he’s been doing this for a while definitely works to his advantage. The fact he’s won quite a bit over the past few months have made a huge difference.
When you’re in a habit of winning, it’s easier to get over the line whatever the stage. You know how to win and I am expecting him to pull through tomorrow. He’s a very tenacious and feisty competitor. He approaches his golf aggressively and he’s a confident guy. The differentiating factor between him and other 21 year olds is how he approaches tournaments and his mental ability to focus and to separate himself from the noise, especially during big events and even on the world stage.
What matters now is that when you are playing well, when you’re in form, you have to keep playing as golf has its ups and downs. It’s been a treat to watch him and see how he’s backing himself. He’s pushed on. He’s been unbelievable and very inspiring.
Jeev Milkha Singh, two- time
Asian Tour no. 1
This kid, I’ve known him for years, seen him grow and mature as a golfer and person. He’s got the full package. His strength is that he is mentally strong, and being a pro for the last five years, he’s gained the experience. He’s trained himself mentally. The family believes a lot in yoga and meditation, which was introduced by his mother. The way I see it, he’s like a silent assassin. Even if he plays good or bad, he controls it very well and doesn’t show any emotion.
As a child, he has respect for his seniors, his conduct is amazing. Playing with fellow competitors, he is very good, very respectful and the third thing is that he believes in making his clubs do the talking. He just wants to win.
I was telling someone else the other day that the knowledge these kids have, they can become better than what I have done, what Arjun has done or what Anirban has done. They have the knowledge to become better.
The most important thing is his attitude. You can be a good ball striker but if you don’t have the right attitude, it won’t help. I rate his game at 70% mental and 30% on technique. He can take on the world.