Indian golfer Karandeep Kochhar on Thursday admitted that uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf-backed funding has change into “a little bit regarding” for gamers on the Asian Tour, with the circuit’s calendar and prize pool closely reliant on the Saudi-backed Worldwide Collection.
The uncertainty additionally carries significance for Indian golf, with the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) rising as a feeder circuit for the Asian Tour and the Worldwide Collection, the place prime performers earn alternatives to compete in LIV Golf Promotions.
“A piece of our calendar and a bit of the cash being put into our tour comes from the Worldwide Collection, which is mainly funded by LIV Golf. So sure, it’s a little regarding,” Karandeep, who completed fourth on the Philippine Golf Championship and tied fifth on the Worldwide Collection Japan this yr, advised PTI in an interview.
“We don’t have a lot readability proper now. They’re saying funding is there until the tip of 2026, so for this yr I want to consider we’re good. However from subsequent yr onwards, it’s positively a little bit little bit of a priority.”
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old from Chandigarh, who received the maiden IGPL Invitational in Dubai in December and completed runner-up on the IGPL Invitational Kolkata final yr, mentioned he was not dwelling on elements past his management.
“My perspective and my starvation to win are at all times the identical. Whether or not it’s the Asian Tour enjoying for 1,000,000 {dollars} or IGPL, my job is to point out up and play golf to the perfect of my skills.”
Karandeep additionally revealed that he missed this week’s Taiwan Glass Taifong Open after being concerned in an accident whereas travelling to the airport on Sunday.
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“In the midst of the freeway, we had this accident. So we needed to go to the hospital. I had a minor lower on the pinnacle. I used to be given two injections for tetanus and painkillers. My head simply was not feeling proper as a result of I used to be nonetheless fairly heavy and having complications. So I made a decision to not journey,” he mentioned.
“That was a bummer, clearly, to not be capable of play this week as a result of I used to be enjoying properly, however that’s fantastic.”
Karandeep mentioned representing India on the Asian Video games stays a significant ambition after narrowly lacking out in earlier cycles.
“I’ve been fairly shut to creating the Asian Video games and Olympic groups each occasions,” he mentioned.
“When the Olympics occurred in 2020, I used to be first or second reserve. Within the Asian Video games additionally, I had nearly certified earlier than COVID modified the whole lot.”
Although the Asian Video games was not amongst his targets initially of the season, his latest performances have introduced him again into rivalry.
“If I’m able to go, it could be superior. To symbolize your nation on the Asian Video games can be particular. It’s taking place in Japan this yr and I performed properly there not too long ago, so to return and attempt to win a medal for India can be nice.”
Karandeep mentioned placing stays the ultimate piece in his pursuit of a maiden Asian Tour title.
“If I may very well be a little bit extra assertive with my putts, a little bit extra assured and aggressive, that may very well be the factor which pushes me over the road and helps me get that first win,” he mentioned.
“When I’m placing confidently and never being tentative, I’ve performed my finest golf.”
The Chandigarh golfer additionally mirrored on a tough 2024 season when he misplaced his Asian Tour card and returned to the PGTI and Asian Improvement Tour.
“I believe greater than technical, it was solely psychological,” he mentioned.
“Generally when issues usually are not going your approach, you begin questioning your self and the work you might be placing in. However I made a aware effort to not discover issues when there weren’t any.”
Karandeep ultimately bounced again by profitable on the Asian Improvement Tour in Egypt, a victory he described as “very well timed”.
“In any other case, I might not have been again on the Asian Tour this yr,” he mentioned.
“All I modified was my perspective — staying constructive, staying affected person, placing within the exhausting work and focusing solely on what I might management.”
Trying forward, Karandeep mentioned his targets for the rest of the season are clear.
“The aim now has shifted in the direction of profitable and attempting to complete within the prime 10 or prime 15 of the Asian Tour Order of Benefit,” mentioned Karandeep, who’s presently ranked eleventh within the standings.
Revealed on Might 07, 2026