SSP Chawrasia set to compete with cream of golf at World Cup

Kolkata-based golfer SSP Chawrasia will play in three more European Tour events in the next two months before heading to Australia for the World Cup, scheduled in November 23-27 in Melbourne

Indian golfer SSP Chawrasia

He had an uneasy time on the golf course of Milano during the Italian Open, a European Tour event last Friday.

The score of 143 wasn't enough as he missed the cut. However, that hasn't deterred Kolkata-based golfer SSP Chawrasia, who termed it as one of those bad days in office and moves on.

"I had two bad days. Nothing went right for me. But it's part and parcel of the game. I will analyse my mistakes and work on it," remarked Chawrasia, who has three European Tour victories, including one this season (Hero Indian Open).

The next two months are crucial for Chawrasia as he will play in three more European Tour events before heading to Australia for the World Cup, scheduled in November 23-27 at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne.

"Next week, I will be playing in Germany (Porsche European Open). In the last week of September, I intend to take a break and spend time with my family. Then in October, it will be Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (October 6-9) in Scotland followed by British Masters (October 13-16)," Chawrasia told mid-day from Milan.

"It will be an ideal practice before the World Cup. But it's not going to be easy, I'm aware of that. I'm working on my putting, swing, hitting and the mental aspect of the game," he added.

Chawrasia is well aware that at his level, mental aspect plays a crucial role and needs to improve. "Golf is more about what you think and how you play on the greens. Everyone makes mistakes including Adam Scott and Tiger Woods. But these top players make lesser mistakes as they are mentally strong," he remarked.

Chawrasia, who represented India at the Rio Olympics last month, will lead India at this year's World Cup. India will be one among seven Asian nations that will make the elite 28-team field.

The 38-year-old has picked 22-year-old Chikkarangappa S as his partner, a winner of two events on the Asian Development Tour (ADT). Both Chawrasia (World No. 262) and Chikkarangappa (World No. 461) will be making their debut at the World Cup.

"It's always an honour to represent the country, whether World Cup or Olympics. It is not always about money. We can make money by playing tournaments. At times, national pride is more important than money," remarked Chawrasia, who was upset over top golfers opting out of Rio Olympics citing fear of Zika virus.