It’s not an easy transition for any golfer to play the European tour from the Asian level. And it’s not only the level of competition but also other factors like weather condition that can be cruel. Add to that the feeling of being lonely on tour, and it’s a nightmare for any living soul.
Ask SSP Chowrasia about it!
It’s his second year on the European tour and the 31-year-old is still adapting to the hostile European conditions. “It’s relatively easy to upgrade from the Indian circuit to the Asian tour but it’s really difficult to move from Asian to European tour,” explained SSP, who played out a decent round of three under that took his total four under 102 that sees him tied 12th in the Crompton Greaves Open golf tournament on Thursday.
“I’d given up on playing on the European tour during that period,” he confessed. “I was extremely low on confidence. It was my trainer who egged me on and convinced not to give up,” said SSP.
SSP said he tried to emulate European golfers initially and it cost him a lot. “I was too overwhelmed playing along side them. May be I tried too hard to match them. But now I have realised its better to stick to my chip-putt style of play if I have to do well there,” he added.
SSP said it becomes extremely difficult to battle the harsh weather conditions. “It is difficult to do well in countries like Ireland, where the temperature is in minus. Your hands become numb and it’s difficult to settle into a rhythm,” SSP said. “You need a companion to be with you when you travel for tournaments, else the loneliness can be haunting at times,” SSP, who got married last week, said.
Shane takes sole lead
Shaquill Shane returned a six under 47 to grab the sole lead on day two of the Crompton Greaves Open 2009. Shane now has a total of 10 under 96.
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