In 1997, a month after Ernie Els grew to become the World No. 1 golfer, Shubhankar Sharma was born.
In 2008, an 11-year-old, Shubhankar, attended a golf clinic within the presence of Ernie when the South African got here to the Delhi Golf Membership to play within the Emaar-MGF Indian Masters. In actual fact, the previous World No. 1 had a phrase of appreciation for younger Shubhankar’s drive.
Seven years later, Shubhankar is again on the DGC this week, main India’s problem in what’s the strongest subject vying for a share of the $4 million prize cash. It is just becoming that the richest prize cash golf occasion within the nation has attracted a number of the present greats of the sport.
In all, 26 Indians are a part of a 138-player subject that options reigning Masters champion Rory Mcllory, two-time Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald – each former World No. 1 – and their triumphant teammates from latest Ryder Cup squad Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, and Shane Lowry.
Shubhankar leads the pack of home-grown champions that features seasoned professional Anirban Lahiri, final yr’s PGTI Order of Advantage winner Veer Ahlawat, and veteran Shiv Kapur.
As well as, will probably be attention-grabbing to see how an in-form Yuvraj Sandhu, the present PGTI Order of Advantage (OOM) chief, fares this week.
Because the DGC not holds common occasions on the home tour, the gamers should depend on reminiscence to maximise the house benefit.
However Shubhankar was fast to claim the significance of residence benefit on this course.
FILE – Anirban, among the many invitees of the DP World, is again on the Tour whilst he continues to be a LIV Golf common.
| Photograph Credit score:
Getty Pictures
FILE – Anirban, among the many invitees of the DP World, is again on the Tour whilst he continues to be a LIV Golf common.
| Photograph Credit score:
Getty Pictures
“The place the house benefit is available in is the place these gamers have grown up enjoying right here. As children, we’ve spent so many evenings practising right here. It simply looks like residence. I got here right here after 5 years. 2020 was the final time I performed, however it felt like yesterday that I used to be practising right here, enjoying 5 holes, going for a chew, after which enjoying 4 extra holes.
“In that means, it feels extra snug. We’ve seen these holes. We all know what can occur. So, the house benefit is much more.”
He went on to level out, “As a result of the motive force is out of play (this week for many golfers as a result of tight, bush-lined fairways), it makes for a extra level-playing subject as a result of then it really involves accuracy, quick sport and placing, which we Indians are good at.”
In regards to the adjustments he observed, Shubhankar stated, “They’ve modified the greens a bit of bit, however the total setup is similar. The ‘tough’ is probably going thicker.
“Total, the thrill is much more, and right now is barely Tuesday. Thursday, you’ll see so many extra gamers, so many extra paid patrons or individuals who will come and watch, or children who will come and watch, which will likely be very thrilling.”
So how is that this week totally different from what he noticed throughout his earlier visits?
“It’s simply that there are too many tents and chalets across the golf course. That’s thrilling and good as a result of this occasion has to really feel prefer it’s a giant event, and it feels prefer it,” noticed Shubhankar.
“Clearly, with the variety of gamers, buildings, and the photographs, there are some huge gamers who’re enjoying right here; it’s no joke. Rory is right here, Tommy is right here. They’re all nice gamers, however nice folks additionally. Shane is right here. It makes it a really huge occasion.”
Anirban, among the many invitees of the DP World, is again on the Tour whilst he continues to be a LIV Golf common. He sees the approaching of this multi-million greenback occasion to India, bringing with it a number of the superstars of the game, as one thing very particular for Indian golf.
Referring to Rory’s presence, Anirban stated, “It’s a major second since you’re going to have a Corridor of Famer — he’s a future Corridor of Famer for certain. He’s right here, he’s embracing this occasion in our nation, and the scene is ideal. We’re enjoying DGC; it’s a historic golf course. I’m very completely satisfied to be right here, to be part of it.
FILE- In all, 26 Indians are a part of a 138-player subject that options reigning Masters champion Rory Mcllory
| Photograph Credit score:
Getty Pictures through AFP
FILE- In all, 26 Indians are a part of a 138-player subject that options reigning Masters champion Rory Mcllory
| Photograph Credit score:
Getty Pictures through AFP
“Like I discussed, it’s nice for Indian golf that we now have such huge worldwide names, stars, all the youngsters of the subsequent era idolise and gravitate in direction of, and I feel it’s essential in creating that subsequent batch of champions.
“I feel it’s an awesome signal. I hope extra stars like him proceed to come back sooner or later, and no matter I can do to assist it, whether or not it’s by enjoying and being right here or by serving to convey folks to organise it, I’ll be completely satisfied to do my bit.
What’s extra, DP World’s Chief of Communication, Daniel van Otterdijk, got here up with an assurance that’s certain to be music to the ears of Indian golf followers. “We’re dedicated to bringing this occasion again yearly to India. I’m certain, sooner or later, we will see an Indian with the glittering winner’s trophy.”
The Indians have lots to play for. A powerful end, a spot among the many top-10, will guarantee a slot in subsequent week’s occasion in Korea. As well as, this can be a nice stage to get observed by stitching 4 rounds of scintillating golf, that too, in acquainted environment.
Revealed on Oct 14, 2025