AUGUSTA : It has been a long time since an Indian played at the Augusta National, but the legendary starters of the Masters -- Jack Nicklaus , Gary Player and Tom Watson -- did have a word or two of advice for Indian golf and how it can try and produce champions and world class golfers.
After their traditional tee shots amidst a lot of applause, the trio had their customary meeting with world media and as usual they gave a lot of useful advice using their experience of more than 60-70 years in the game.
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Just around the time they finished, Aaron Rai, an Indian-origin player, who was born and raised in Wolverhampton, England, reared his head and raced to 4-under through the first 10 holes. Then he faltered around the beautiful but dangerous Amen Corner and further with three bogeys in a row to fall to one-under. He may or may not make up, but he had made his presence felt on his debut Masters – to be on top of the leaderboard even if for nine holes in your first start is an honour. More will come his way in the future.
Meanwhile, ‘that man’ Scottie Scheffler was back sharing the lead -- at 3-under through nine holes. With him were two Englishmen, Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose. Scheffler is looking to become only the fifth man ever to successfuly defend his Masters jacket.
Turning back to the Nicklaus, Player and Watson trio, they were asked what it would take for India to produce a world-beater in golf and what advice would they give from their side.
Nicklaus said, “I think basically they have to get access to tours and the ability to play in competition.” Saying they needed to get to where the facilities are, he went on: “I don’t think it’s any different in India. I don’t think you probably have the number of facilities to encourage young people to play. You certainly have the population. But you need the facilities for young people to play.” Bang on!
Watson added, “I think, very simply, to cut to the bone, I don’t think there’re enough golf courses. The US has, I think we have over 25,000 golf courses here in the United States, and I think like 70 to 80 percent of them are public, people can go and play. You don’t have to be a member of a club. In India, what’s the No. 1 sport, cricket? Yeah, cricket. Again, ball, hit like that, moving ball. It’s a culture thing."
After their traditional tee shots amidst a lot of applause, the trio had their customary meeting with world media and as usual they gave a lot of useful advice using their experience of more than 60-70 years in the game.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
Just around the time they finished, Aaron Rai, an Indian-origin player, who was born and raised in Wolverhampton, England, reared his head and raced to 4-under through the first 10 holes. Then he faltered around the beautiful but dangerous Amen Corner and further with three bogeys in a row to fall to one-under. He may or may not make up, but he had made his presence felt on his debut Masters – to be on top of the leaderboard even if for nine holes in your first start is an honour. More will come his way in the future.
Meanwhile, ‘that man’ Scottie Scheffler was back sharing the lead -- at 3-under through nine holes. With him were two Englishmen, Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose. Scheffler is looking to become only the fifth man ever to successfuly defend his Masters jacket.
Turning back to the Nicklaus, Player and Watson trio, they were asked what it would take for India to produce a world-beater in golf and what advice would they give from their side.
Nicklaus said, “I think basically they have to get access to tours and the ability to play in competition.” Saying they needed to get to where the facilities are, he went on: “I don’t think it’s any different in India. I don’t think you probably have the number of facilities to encourage young people to play. You certainly have the population. But you need the facilities for young people to play.” Bang on!
Watson added, “I think, very simply, to cut to the bone, I don’t think there’re enough golf courses. The US has, I think we have over 25,000 golf courses here in the United States, and I think like 70 to 80 percent of them are public, people can go and play. You don’t have to be a member of a club. In India, what’s the No. 1 sport, cricket? Yeah, cricket. Again, ball, hit like that, moving ball. It’s a culture thing."
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