Golf: Shubhankar Sharma Embraces Homecoming At International Series India Amidst Strong Competition

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Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma is gearing up for the International Series India presented by DLF, which feels like a 'homecoming' for him.

The event, held at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram from 30 January to 2 February, features a strong field including LIV Golf stars like Bryson DeChambeau and Joaquin Niemann. Sharma acknowledges the formidable competition from fellow Indian golfers.

Sharma highlights the progress of Indian golf over the past decade. He notes that many Indian players have honed their skills on the Asian Tour. "I can say this very proudly, but Indian golf has done so well in the last 10, 11 years since I have been a professional," he stated. Sharma himself won the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2018.

The Asian Tour plays a crucial role in developing professional golf in the region. It is part of the International Federation of PGA Tours and offers Official World Golf Ranking points. Established in 2004, it supports over 350 members from 35 countries with events across five continents. The tour's partnership with LIV Golf introduced The International Series in 2022.

Anirban Lahiri, who competes alongside DeChambeau and Paul Casey for Crushers GC, is among the local favourites. Other notable Indian golfers include Gaganjeet Bhullar, Jeev Milkha Singh, S.S.P. Chawrasia, and Shiv Kapur. Ajeetesh Sandhu, Rashid Khan, and Rahil Gangjee are also seasoned winners on the Asian Tour.

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Younger talents like Yuvraj Sandhu and Karandeep Khochhar are making their mark as well. Sandhu secured a T4 finish at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters in October, while Khochhar was runner-up at the BNI Indonesian Masters and T5 at the Volvo China Open in 2023.

Sharma expresses pride in how far Indian golf has come thanks to platforms like The International Series. "I couldn’t be happier for the Asian players and it’s great to see where the game is going," he said. He appreciates how these events showcase increasing competition levels.

Playing on home soil brings a sense of comfort for Sharma as he reconnects with familiar faces on the Asian Tour circuit. "For me, it’s a homecoming - not only playing in India but playing on the Asian Tour," he remarked about his return to familiar grounds.

The Asian Tour manages its television production through Asian Tour Media, reaching over one billion households globally. It also operates an Asian Development Tour providing pathways for emerging players to join its ranks.

The tournament promises intense competition with both international stars and domestic talents vying for victory. As Sharma prepares to compete against old friends and rivals alike, he remains focused on showcasing his best performance at this prestigious event.