Gaganjeet Bhullar terms it a ‘learning year’

So far, it’s been a year filled with a fair share of highs and lows for Gaganjeet Bhullar.

The rising star got off to a best possible start in 2010 when he notched up his second title at the season-opener Asian Tour International in Thailand. But since then, he has not been quite up to the mark.

But the 22-year-old Kapurthala golfer doesn’t want to push things, though. He feels this is a more of a ‘learning year’ for him rather than pushing for titles. “It’s been a mixed year so far. I am getting good starts but I have not been able to make it count on the final two days. But whether I win or lose, I am learning many things this year which will be helpful for me in the long term,” said Bhullar, after carding a second round one-over 70 at the Aircel PGTI Players Championship currently being played at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club (BPGC).

Bhullar feels this year is important for him as he getting to learn the finer points of the game. “I am getting more opportunities to play in the Asian and the co-sanctioned tournaments because of my rankings. At international level, the exposure you get is tremendous. So the opportunity to learn is also massive,” he said.

Bhullar added that his ultimate aim is to raise his game to the standard of European and PGA tours. “I am not looking at short term goals right now as it doesn’t serve any purpose. It will take me two years to reach the top level and I am being patient. I am sure my time will come,” added Bhullar.

He will be skipping next week’s PGTI Championship at Amby Valley after receiving an invite from the Japanese tour. “It will be a great challenge. Top players like Ryo Ishikawa are featuring in that tournament so it’ll be fun as well,” he said.

Having failed to qualify for the British Open this year after a bad qualifying round in Malaysia earlier in the year, Bhullar has still not given up hope. “I had no hopes at this year’s qualifying because I don’t like the course at Malaysia at all. I might go to Scotland for final qualifying round, which will be held a couple of weeks prior to the British Open. But I will have to check with the organising committee about it,” said Bhullar.

Three share lead
Shamim Khan, Digvijay Singh and Abhishek Jha shared the lead at four-under-136 after Round 2 of the PGTI Players Championship at the BPGC on Wednesday.

Gaganjeet Bhullar and Mohammed Siddikur Rahman are one stroke behind. Overnight leader Gurbaaz Mann fell to tied sixth following a disastrous round of six over 76