Shubhankar Sharma Aims for Success at Indian Open 2023
Shubhankar Sharma's Journey in Indian Golf
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], March 27: Shubhankar Sharma has consistently participated in the Indian Open since its inclusion in the DP World Tour in 2015, successfully making the cut each time. The talented golfer, who embarked on his professional career at the young age of 16, has maintained his playing rights on the tour since 2017. As he gears up for his eighth appearance at the tournament, Sharma expresses optimism about his performance and the advancement of golf in India.
He will join 30 Indian golfers, including four amateurs, competing for the prestigious Indian Open title at the DLF Golf and Country Club starting Thursday. With a prize purse of $2.25 million, this event is a significant milestone for Indian golfers on the global stage. Sharma's best result in the tournament was a T-7 finish in 2018.
Reflecting on the growth of Indian golf since he turned professional, Sharma notes the remarkable progress the sport has made in the country.
"It’s been incredible. I turned professional in 2013, marking my 13th year in the field. Indian golf has seen tremendous growth in every aspect—junior, amateur, and professional, for both men and women. We now have more players competing internationally, and our domestic circuit is becoming increasingly robust. While there’s still much to accomplish, it’s encouraging to see more individuals engaging with golf and raising awareness about the sport. The increase in participation since 2013 is incomparable. I’m thrilled that more children and parents are getting involved. With golf being an Olympic sport, its importance has only escalated," Sharma shared.
Over the years, the 27-year-old has developed techniques to manage pressure during competitions.
"You gradually acclimatize to it. With time, playing under pressure becomes second nature, though you never completely adapt. Nerves and butterflies are inevitable, especially during critical moments. However, practices like breathing and meditation, which are deeply rooted in Indian culture, can be beneficial. Staying present and striving to perform your best is key," he elaborated.
Looking forward, Sharma has set clear objectives for the season, with winning a tournament at the forefront of his ambitions.
"It’s been a while since I last won, so that’s my primary goal. Achieving that will open many doors, not just regarding my tour status but also mentally. I’ll feel more relaxed and aggressive, similar to how I played during my winning streak in 2018 and 2019. The game feels great, and I believe that victory is on the horizon," he stated.
"I also have long-term aspirations. I aim to finish in the top 10 on the circuit this year and work towards earning my PGA Tour card. However, I prefer not to look too far ahead right now. My immediate focus is on performing well in this event and the upcoming tournaments," he concluded.