Chowrasia takes huge Order of Merit lead

The youngest of four brothers, Chowrasia was the only one in the family who showed a keen interest in playing golf and became a caddie at Royal Calcutta Golf Club, where the fifth green was within a par-four distance from his home.

Self-taught but with a burning desire ingrained in his small build to become a champion, Chowrasia finally stood tall on Sunday when he claimed a stunning victory at the Emaar-MGF Indian Masters which propelled him to the top of the 2008 Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.

The 29-year-old’s maiden Asian Tour triumph over a top-class field which included Asia’s finest and the likes of Ernie Els and several of Europe’s Ryder Cup stars earned him a lucrative US$416,660 cheque and while it is still early days in the race to become Asia’s number one, Chowrasia’s lead of over US$300,000 from compatriot Digvijay Singh looks certain to keep him in the Merit mix come December.

"Right now, my mind is totally blocked because I’m not able to think of anything," said Chowrasia, only the third Indian to taste victory in a co-sanctioned event with the European Tour.

"More and more caddies will now take up the game and they will also feel that they can also do well if they start playing and working at it."

He started hitting golf balls at the age of 10 and would sneak into the course in the evenings to play several holes before being chased off the grounds by club members. Such was his passion that he would practice his putting under candle light.

Chowrasia, whose full name is Shiv Shankar Prasad, turned professional in 1998 and in the following year, he finished second behind Arjun Atwal, a former Asian Tour number one, in the Indian Open.

However, he cowered at the thought of competing on the Asian Tour and it was only two years ago that he decided to spread his wings. He made good progress, finishing second again in the 2006 Hero Honda Indian Open after losing to Jyoti Randhawa in a play-off.

Weeks earlier, he was reduced to tears after being disqualified for not signing his scorecard after leading the first day of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters.

But the growing pains on the Asian Tour made Chowrasia a stronger player. "I was not confident of travelling alone during the early years but I’m okay now, especially when I have a lot of friends on Tour," said Chowrasia, who had several anxious officials and compatriots making sure that he had signed his scorecard on Sunday evening.

"Playing in different countries with very strong fields (in Asia) has helped me. Now, I feel more confident playing with them and I feel now that I can stand up against the best in the world and I’m going to work on all my weak points even more," said Chowrasia.

Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han lauded the breakthrough victory, saying that it will boost the game even more in India.

"The Asian Tour couldn’t have asked for a better champion to emerge in our first tournament of the 2008 season. Chowrasia will serve as a wonderful inspiration to Indian golf as he has proven that hard work and dedication can lead to great things and success.

"He is a deserving winner and I hope other former caddies who have gone on to turn professional will strive to emulate his success. It’s a massive career breakthrough for Chowrasia and should be an indication of better things to come for him and Indian golf."

Chowrasia’s peers also poured accolades after witnessing one of India’s finest golfing moments. Shiv Kapur said: "It is an incredible victory. I am even happier because I know him personally. I know how great a person he is. Humble, down to earth and great at heart. I think it is a victory for all of us who play golf in India," said Kapur.

Randhawa added: "This shows that Indian golf is moving in the right direction. I am sure Chowrasia’s win will make every Indian feel proud. It is time for the rest of the world to take notice of this great achievement."

Indian golf was also celebrating when Gaurav Ghei, who finished tied sixth over the weekend, became the 17th player and fourth Indian to surpass US$1 million in career earnings on the Asian Tour.

The Asian Tour moves to the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open at Cengkareng Golf Club this week. The US$1.2 million tournament is jointly sanctioned with the European Tour.

Order of Merit – Top-10 (click here for the full Order of Merit)

Pos Player Order of Merit (US$)

1. S.S.P CHOWRASIA (IND) 416,660
2. Digvijay SINGH (IND) 115,500
3. Gaurav GHEI (IND) 66,200
4. Hendrik BUHRMANN (RSA) 40,500
5. Arjun ATWAL (IND) 34,500
6. Scott HEND (AUS) 30,000
7. Jyoti RANDHAWA (IND) 26,000
7. Ross BAIN (SCO) 26,000
9. Unho PARK (AUS) 22,250
9. Adam GROOM (AUS) 22,250

February 11, 2008

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