Gurgaon, Feb 26 (UNI) Ace pro Jyoti Randhawa today exuded confidence of performing well in the the Johnnie Walker Classic (2.5 million dollars), to be played at his home course-DLF Golf and Country Club- here from February 28 to March 2.
Randhawa, who has already posted three top 10s this year so far, including a joint runners-up finish at the SAIL Open (Asian Tour) last week,said ''I'm looking forward to playing here. It's kind of windy for a normal day as the last two days have been really windy.
I have the local knowledge for sure and I'm looking forward to it,'' Randhawa, the world number 77, is the first Indian to break into the top 100 of the world rankings, has worked on a few aspects of his game recently.
He is optimistic that his hard work will soon pay dividends as victory might just around the corner.
''I have a tendency of moving the body forward (during the downswing). I'm trying to keep the swing a bit more compact, keeping the arms and hands working together. But as long as you're finishing in top-10s, you don't ask for anything more. If it (winning) has to happen, it'll fall into place. I'm just waiting for that one week to happen as the form is getting better and so is the swing. The key is to stay committed,'' said the reigning Indian Open champion.
''This is my seventh week in a row, and I've got two more to go in Malaysia and Korea. It's the first time in my life that I've done it but you know what, I'm actually feeling quite alright. I've had some little lapses in concentration during the day but I'm learning to deal with that. It's been a good learning experience for me.'' ''The body is getting pushed to the limit and I want to see how it reacts. I've had some top-10s, and a second, maybe it's better for me. If I can keep this form, maybe I'll do it every year. Maybe that's the reason why Jeev (Milkha Singh) does it and I think I now know why he does it,'' he added.
Randhawa is thrilled that the Johnnie Walker Classic (joint sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia and PGTI) would be the third international event to be staged in the country in February.
''It shows the kind of popularity that Indian golf is getting.
PGTI members are doing well and golf is booming. It's the second most famous sport after cricket and to have two joint sanctioned events with Europe here this month alone, and with the stars coming here, it gives it that much more importance,'' Randhava said.
The European Tour full card holder went on to say, ''Having an Indian winner would be like the icing on the cake. We've had one winner at the Emaar-MGF Indian Masters (SSP Chowrasia) and if we have another one here, it will show that Indian golf has come of age now.'' On his targets for the near future, the 35-year-old said, ''I just have to do my job and play golf to my best ability. If I can get into the majors, it'll be great.'' UNI HSB RKM VC1815