With two back-to-back wins on the Asian Tour last year, Gaganjeet Bhullar broke into the top-100 of the world rankings, a feat which only a few Indian golfers have attained. But what separates him from them is his age. He is just 24 and has ample time and talent to become the best Indian golfer of all time. On the sidelines of an event, he talks to Amit Chaudhary about his form and his short and long-term objectives. Excerpts
How would you describe 2012IJ
It was a very good year. It was a ‘dream come true’ year for me. I played really well throughout the year. I enjoyed lot of top-10 finishes, around 10 or 12. Then I played well in WGC and of course those two victories (on Asian Tour). That gave me a lot of confidence, lot of boost. All together, the last season was the best season of my career. Now the goal is to do better this year and the next year. That’s the whole game plan.
After such a successful year, you must have analysed your game. What do you think you did better in 2012 than previous seasonsIJ
I don’t know what I did right (shrugs his shoulders). I just played golf. That’s it. I still don’t know what good I did last year and what exactly I am not doing this year. I have no clue. I just stand on the tee box and swing. If I win a tournament that’s good, otherwise bad week for me.
So, is this your philosophyIJ
Yes, absolutely. See, golf is completely different (from other sports). You really don’t know what to expect. You just keep on playing your own game and that’s it. You just can’t think out of the box.
Where do you see yourself in the next three yearsIJ
Definitely on the European Tour and, hopefully, if things go right, may be on PGA Tour.
PGA Tour is the ultimate aimIJ
That’s the destination.
You had a good run of form last year but it couldn’t help you earn world rating points. Are you disappointed with thatIJ
Not at all. See, it’s a never ending process. Every week we are playing for world ranking points. If I am good enough I am definitely going to win a tournament next week and gain the world ranking points. This is not an issue. I am young. I have got age on my side. I am not in a hurry. I just want to do everything step by step. I don’t want to rush, I don’t want to run after something. I want to give time to every single thing in my life. I just want to go slow and stead.
Schedules are hectic these days. How do you keep yourself fresh and motivatedIJ
I haven’t got to that level where I start to feel bored (laughs). I am enjoying and I love playing golf. Of course I work on my physic, I go to gym four to five times a week. That really keeps me pumped up and motivates me.
What’s your immediate aimIJ
European Tour victory and European Tour card. That’s my immediate plan for the next couple of years because I have been playing on the Asian Tour for a long time now and I want to take my game to the next level. These are the things that I feel I really need to work on. Few aspects of my game, few breaks here and there and it will lead me to a victory.
You are undoubtedly a big player on Asian Tour circuit but what happens to you when you play on European TourIJ
First of all, you need to understand that I don’t get so many opportunities to go on to European Tour. I only get five or six tournaments in a year. You have a lot of pressure on you to capitalise on those opportunities in that short period of time. Right now I am playing good, striking the ball well and I can really smell a lot of success in this and the next few years.
How was the experience of playing in Golf Premier leagueIJ
It was very good and different. It was exactly what we thought of. We all enjoyed it. Three or four years back nobody thought that this city based team format would be such a hit. Sponsors really liked it, that’s the most important thing. And I am pretty sure that it’s going to grow in the next few years.
Golf is included in 2016 Olympics. You are currently at 101 in world rankings but you need to be in top-50 to compete there. Are you confident that you can make the cutIJ
Why notIJ I can. I will. See, it’s all about mental strength. If you think about it, you can. At the end of the day top-50 guys are also human beings. I have played golf with these guys. I have seen how they play. It’s just a matter of time. I have still got three-and-a-half years to go.
What are your strengthsIJ
My short game, I would say I have really improved as a short game player. My ball striking. These are the two things that have improved a lot over the years. Of course my playing ability under pressure has increased.
What are you working on these daysIJ
Everything. I am working on my driving, striking, short game, putting, bunker shot, everything. You know I am 101 in the world. The day I will become No 1, then only I can say I am master at everything. As of now, there are 100 guys in front of me and I have to beat them.
And what about mental strengthIJ What do you do for thatIJ
I do meditation and yoga. These are the things which gradually make a lot of difference. In a sport like golf, it makes a lot of difference over the years. I think meditation keeps you calm under pressure and that is exactly what you need because when you are under pressure and you play one bad shot, your heart starts pumping. So these are the things I am working on and I can really feel the difference now.
Are you satisfied with your career so farIJ
(Takes a few seconds to think) Not really. This is my seventh year on Asian Tour. I thought I would have been on the European Tour by now. But slow and steady wins the race and I am gradually graduating to the European Tour ranks. Till last year I was way behind on the Order of Merit. This year I have improved. So, I am already on the ladder up.