Faldo impressed by Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan is said to have impressed none other than the legendary Nick Faldo with some fine driving on way to retaining his title in the Faldo Series Asia tournament earlier this week, but the young golfer from Delhi feels it is his putting that gives him an edge over others.

“You can see me work hard on my putting and chipping any day of the week here,” said the wiry 18-year-old, just back after becoming the first to win consecutive titles in the Asian leg of the amateur event at the Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, China.
Rashid is thankful to his caddie uncles, some senior pros and Delhi Golf Club (DGC) officials, all of whom helped him get on with the expensive game.

“I want to make them all proud by establishing myself as a top amateur and do well in the Asian Games, probably help India win a gold,” said Rashid, who is in no hurry to turn professional despite the lure of money.

“I know I have to work hard before turning professional. I am planning to do so immediately after the Asiad next year,” said Rashid, who took to the game nine years ago.

But how was winning the title this time different from last time? “I was a young and unknown commodity last time and went on to win easily by improving my performance each day. This time, there were expectations and I just about held on to win,” he replied.