Gaganjeet Bhullar, who has qualified for the British Open in July this year, is determined to make the best of the opportunity. By V. V. Subrahmanyam.
For Gaganjeet Bhullar, qualifying for the world’s oldest major, the British Open championship, in July this year is a dream come true. The 20-year-old golfer is determined to make the most of the big opportunity. As part of his serious efforts to make a big impact in the British Open, the talented golfer underwent a rigorous, two-month training programme with Hyderabad-based sports psychologist Dr. Pradeep Aggarwal in order to be fully focussed on the task ahead. In fact, Bhullar said that he owed a lot to Dr. Pradeep for qualifying for the British Open.
Bhullar, who had his first professional win, when he carded a brilliant seven-under 65 on the final day to lift the PGTI Players Championship in Panchkula in March, was of the view that it was Jeev Milkha Singh who gave Indian golf a new image in the world circuit. Now, he himself is being tipped as the next best thing to have happened to golf from the sub-continent.
“British Open is a truly world-class field and a great platform for someone like me to perform. I hope for the best of conditions which are contrasting by way of chilly weather and plain courses,” he said in a chat with Sportstar during his visit to Hyderabad.
Talking of his stint with psychologist Dr. Pradeep, Bhullar said it was necessary for him as golf is all about confidence. “And, I believe that after my stint with Dr. Pradeep things are certainly looking up and I am more confident, aggressive and focussed as we touched the sub-conscious levels during the programme,” Bhullar pointed out.
According to Dr. Pradeep, it is simple philosophy — visualising big goals and trying to chase them with a positive frame of mind. He also emphasised that turning pro has only made Bhullar set bigger goals and have greater vision.
No wonder Bhullar is preparing for his success in the British Open under the guidance of a doctor who is familiar with the sport, having trained many golfers including Arjun Atwal and Amandeep Johl.
It’s no surprise that Bhullar has chosen Dr. Pradeep to accompany him to the British Open and also on the Asian circuit. “The performance no doubt depends on how well and hard you prepare for any event,” Bhullar said while reminding that he would like to take the prestigious event like any other event to avoid putting pressure on himself.
“I will be there a week early to get acclimatised to the conditions,” he added.
For someone who followed his father on the golf course at the age of eight, this young golfer is not unduly bothered about money now. He believes the support extended by Mr. Gautam Thapar of Avanta Group and the fact that he is a pro in a sport where there is lots of money should help him realise his dream of becoming the best in the business one day.
“Playing in the British Open is a dream come true. It is an event we dream of playing as young golfers. So, to play there, I tell you, is a great feeling,” Bhullar explained.
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