Gurgaon: Young Indian woman golfer Sharmila Nicollet who is aiming for an encore at the Ladies Indian Open co sanctioned by Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI), Ladies European Tour (LET) and Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT) this week at the DLF Golf and Country Club here said that expecting to win the tournament is not unrealistic.
“I am here to win the tournament and ready to take on this elite field. I was in top 25 last year so I do not think aiming for top 5 or a win is unrealistic. I have been playing in Europe and that has helped my confidence.I am very familiar with the DLF course and played lot here and have a fair chance of winning here. It is my dream to win here,” Sharmila told the reporters here.
The Women’s Indian Open since its inception in 2007 has never had any Indian champion and Nicollet is not only gunning to become the first Indian to win but a good performance this week will help her retain the card for LET next year.
The 21 year old golfer who is in her rookie year at the LET said that playing in Europe has helped her becoming more responsible and brought about a drastic change in her, both professionally and personally.
“I have become responsible and matured in Europe. Playing in some of the best golf courses across the World and facing such an elite field, I have become mentally strong,” added the Bangalore golfer.
Nicollet who was injured for a while said that she is in a good shape now, both physically and with her game and is ready for the kill.
“I do not have any injuries now and my form is also good. I have not missed fairways from a long time and my long game is in a pretty good shape. I had problems with my putting but after I changed to belly putter even that has been sorted. So I am very happy with my game,” said Nicollet.
“The main reason that I was struggling in Europe was because I wasn't able to regulate my under-pars. After the first round I was always left trying to recover and not go for win. So with my short game on course I am confident of a good show.”
The golfer who won a WGAI event in the KGA in her home town said that win has been a confidence amplifier for her and she is delighted to be back in India and play here.
By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury
By Indian Sports News Network
