The Hindu : Sport / Golf : Gaganjeet Bhullar eyes European Tour qualification

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Friday, Aug 21, 2009
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Gaganjeet Bhullar eyes European Tour qualification

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: For sure, Gaganjeet Bhullar has modelled himself on Jeev Milkha Singh, his idol from Chandigarh. The way he speaks, the humility with which he carries himself reflect the impression the famous son of the Union Territory has had on this golfing talent. In the Capital to receive the first Special Edition Mercedes-Benz C-Class car, worth Rs. 28.46 lakh, Bhullar exuded the confidence gained from his outing at the British Open followed by the triumphant campaign in the Indonesian Open and the narrowly-missed Brunei Open title following a playoff.

“My whole outlook towards golf has changed following the British Open. It was great to watch Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh on the driving range and the putting green.

“I did not get a chance to talk to Tiger, because of the security around him and I know for a fact that he is a reserved person. When the players are going through their routine ahead of a major tournament, it is not the right time to walk up to another player and seek guidance.

Mental strength

“I understand that what separates these leading golfers from the rest is their mental strength. About 80 per cent of your success is due to your mental strength.”

Coming back to his new mindset, the 21-year-old said, “As it is, I love to play more and learn from every tournament. After the Open, now I play to win every tournament.

“I’ve had a few top-10 finishes in the past but now I am not satisfied with a good finish. Now I want to win.

“My goal this year is to qualify (from the final stage in Spain) for the European Tour. Since I don’t have to clear the first two stages of qualification, I am very keen to secure my card and play all the events next season.

Asked to comment on the inclusion of golf in the 2016 Olympic Games, Gagandeep said, “I will definitely work hard to be part of the Games. I feel the Majors will still be considered bigger than an Olympic medal in golf for the simple reason that Olympics happen once in four years.

“A Green jacket (for the Masters champion) and the Claret Jug (for the Open winner) will always be very special.”

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