New Delhi :

As the Indian Open turns 50 this November, it presents an opportunity to look back at the evolution of Indian golf in the last decade.

Taking a stroll back memory lane, India’s first professional golfer to win the trophy, Ali Sher, believes the playing crowd has grown dramatically in the country over the last decade which, in turn, has yielded positive results.

Speaking at the launch of the golden jubilee of the $1.25m event, Sher – who won the title in 1991 – said the game has come a long way from being considered as a sport meant only for grey-haired people.

“A lot has changed since 1991. There was a big gap in having an Indian winner after PG Sethi won it in 1965. People dismissed golf as a sport for the oldies and it appeared to be boring. Now, in the last five-six years, more Indians have started winning tournaments and that has created an awareness for the sport in the country,” Sher said.

Sher, then a caddie at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC), recounted the struggles during his playing days: “There were no clubs at that time, we used to make clubs and drivers with wood and play with the stick. Now there are metal drivers. Now getting equipment has also become easy, balls are of very good quality,” he said.

“When I won in 1991, many thought it was a fluke. But after the win in 1993, I was taken seriously. Apart from being noticed when I travelled in buses, the biggest change for me was that I was given a membership at DGC after 1991,” Sher quipped.

Another winner, Vijay Kumar , who clinched the title in 2002, echoed his views. “It has been easier to play golf now. One can easily get equipment, like balls, shoes etc. There are a lot of opportunities to improve one’s game,” Kumar said.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home>  Sports> Golf> Vijay Kumar / TNN / October 22nd, 2013