Who am I: I am born and brought up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. I completed Btech in Mechanical Engineering in 2016 and since then have been playing full-time Golf and associated with GAIL in sports scholarship since 2016. I have been playing Golf since 2008 but never seriously until I finished my 12th. I loved playing and watching all kinds of sports since I was a small kid. I was good at cricket, played and captained for my school football team, played table tennis at the state level, volleyball at the district level. Then I got into Golf. I am a fun loving person so I love to hang out with friends and family on the weekend. I love food and I love trying different kinds of cuisines.
What inspired me to take Golf: When I first visited the US my nana and nani introduced me to the game and I fell in love with the game and of course major part (like 95 per cent) was Tiger Woods. I fell in love with the flight of a golf ball.
Why golf and not any other sport: The first reason? I played this sport the best compared to the other sports I played. Was never planning to take it up professionally but as I got better at it I started enjoying it more and I loved the competitiveness it brought out in me because in this sport you are actually playing against yourself. Plus Golf teaches you so many things outside of Golf like you get to know so many people, you learn to interact with anyone you meet, it keeps you humble, and plus playing Golf you are always surrounded by nature. Every Golf course is beautiful in its own way and that’s the beauty of this game.
My Golfing achievements: I was the first one from Gujarat to win a national amateur event in 2015 when I won the Gujarat amateur. I have represented India in Thailand as well as Australia which was and will be a very proud moment for me. Was ranked number 1 in the order of merit in November 2018.
Interesting/funny moment: I don’t remember any funny moments even though there are. But I play very adventurous Golf compared to other people. I can miss my drives very wild so every round I have so many interesting moments where I am making amazing par saves or birdies that after every round when all of us friends sit down and chat, we have a very good laugh at it discussing where all I was today on the course and they all have fun listening to the stories.
What would I like to change about Golf: Nothing...I just love it as it is.. except the pace of play.. If only the sport could be little more affordable for everyone to try and see if they like it. The thing is that it is expensive to start learning the game also that’s why most of the people don’t try it..and especially in India if the game is little more affordable, more people will get into it because it is so addictive once you start playing better.
