Who's not familiar with the upper-cuts that master blaster Sachin Tendulkar is most famous for?, says a report in The Times Of India, adding that but during a recent trip to Ahmedabad, Tendulkar was spotted playing different strokes as the cricketer hit a couple of drives and putted to wow golfers at an international golf tournament being held in Ahmedabad.
“As Indian golfers waited in anticipation to meet the cricket icon, Tendulkar impressed everyone on the course as he tried his hand at driving and putting. What made the golfing fraternity take notice of the shots was Tendulkar didn't go wrong with any shot he played while trying his hand on the driving range,” says the report, adding that when quizzed whether the master blaster wishes to make it to the competitive level, he said, "I haven't played that much golf. Whenever I've been on a holiday I've swung a golf club. Neither have I played golf at a competitive level, nor have I gone to a golf course to hit few balls. I like hitting the ball, it doesn't matter whether it's a cricket ball or a golf ball."
What impressed Tendulkar while playing golf was the sound that each connecting shot generated. "I enjoyed some of the sounds. The sound and the connection give you the satisfaction and feel about golf," said Tendulkar.
Commenting on how golf in some ways is similar to cricket and the need to stay mentally strong, Tendulkar said, "When you get to the competitive level, in any sport, then, of course, the mind has to play a lot. It's not about just your talent and ability to connect the ball, but also the ability to do that consistently that's important. And to be able to do that over a period of time, you need to be mentally tough. For that training is very important. You also need to be backed by a vision to execute your plans. It may not happen immediately."
Meanwhile Hindustan Times reports that taking stance at the Kensville Golf and Country Club made it obvious that it was a different pitch, but the ability to strike the sweet spot (of the driver in this case), showed that a change of turf had had little impact on Sachin Tendulkar's ability.
“The grip and follow through did not adhere to the manual, but striking off a high tee he touched the 200-yard mark. Watching the ball soar may have thrilled but the inability to middle it rankled. In came a suggestion to push the tee deeper, the alteration added to his striking prowess with the ball going past 250 yards, and “the sound of the ball connecting with the (middle) of the club” continued to ring several hour later.”
“It was fantastic,” he gushed. He was speaking in a new capacity, and though for a while, the transformation was complete. Gone was the dark-blue tee and replacing it was a similar-hued outfit with the club logo. That wasn't all; the rest of the gear was spanking new too. Clearly, Tendulkar had blended into his day-old role of a golf ambassador.