Ghei hopeful of new Indian talent

Indian stalwart Gaurav Ghei is hopeful that a stream of new young talent will come through on the international stage with events like the EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters this week.

Ghei, a three-time winner on the Asian Tour, believes that with the sound development programme coupled with the right playing opportunities, the golfing scene in India will see new up and coming faces.

“The junior development programme here is great. There is a great training ground here and if the payers are keen to pursue golf, then they can continue to play on the local circuit and then on the international scene,” said the New Delhi-based golfer, who admitted that the playing opportunities now are more in abundance in comparison to his younger playing years.

“The biggest change in India when I was starting out is that players have more opportunity to compete on a bigger event now with many more Asian Tour events being staged here.

“The only way players can improve is when they face a top field and with more events like this one coupled with the increase in Asian Tour tournaments, we can definitely see a rise in the standard of the game from the young ones,” said the 40-year-old Ghei, who admitted that the leading role played by the current Indian stars will also help inspire the younger generation.

“The young kids look up to players like Jeev (Milkha Singh), Jyoti (Randhawa) and myself to do well. Of course they have idols like Tiger Woods but it also equally important when a compatriot does well too. It also inspires us to player better,” said Ghei.

The youngsters will now be focused on local star Randhawa who got off on to a flying start in front of his home fans when he took the opening round lead at the Delhi Golf Club after a seven-under-par 65. Kapur was in tied fourth after a 68 while Ghei shot a 75 in tied 77th place.

February 7, 2008

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