Playing in The Open has been my only dream, reveals Shubhankar Sharma

Shubankar will make his debut appearance at The 147th Open at Carnoustie on Thursday. The talented youngster was elated post his first major championship victory in the Joburg Open last December and mentioned how it changed his life in a positive way.

“I will never forget that victory and it will stay with me forever. I was literally playing alone in South Africa. It was my first victory and the locals were very supportive. That tour has changed my professional career and the way I approach everything.

“Teeing it up for The Open is the best thing and I am really excited to be here,” said Sharma.

Speaking about his passion for the sport and his love for this event Shubhankar revealed how he used to watch and replay videos until he felt like a participant.

“Playing in The Open has been my only dream. I have been following this event since childhood and I remember replaying the videos until I felt like a participant in The Open,” revealed the 21-year-old.

Shubankar took the golfing world by storm after his consistent performances post the Joburg Open. He won his second Asian Tour title in the Maybank Championship followed by a top-10 finish in the World Golf Championships in Mexico which earned him an invitation to The Masters. The youngster added another feather to his cap by earning his second Major appearance at the US Open after a brilliant performance in the Qualifier.

“Taking part in the Masters is an experience in itself. The circumstances under which I got there and getting a sponsors’ invite made it even better. Earning a spot at the US Open after my performance in the Qualifier made my day,” he said.

Shubhankar has not been able to make the cut in his last two appearances at a Major Championship. In spite of this, he spoke about being positive and focusing on The Open.

“I am not worried about these small issues. They are a part of my career and I am looking forward to doing well this week. The Scottish Open last week was the first ever event I played on links course.

“The Open is going to be the second. I think Carnoustie will be as comfortable as The Scottish Open and I am quite positive on my chances. Playing in Europe is quite different as you have to play here to get the feel of it,” added Sharma.

Sharma will be participating at golf’s oldest Major Championship alongside his compatriot Anirban Lahiri.