Shubhankar Sharma is enjoying a golfing event this is so expensive to his middle that his efficiency dictates the temper of his birthday celebrations. The lone Indian within the 156-man box completely loves the Open Championship, and turns 27 on Friday when the second one spherical is performed at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake. Nothing would make him happier than being in rivalry going into the weekend of the oldest event on this planet.
“It’s my third Open, and I feel very, very grateful,” stated the arena No276. “The Open is my favourite primary and has all the time been simply with how the event was once telecast in India and in addition with the TV timings (a lot previous than late-night end within the primary championships in the USA). It was once highest for me to come back again after college and watch it. And only for the historical past of The Open, it being the oldest event in golfing. Really taking a look ahead to it.
“It additionally falls on my birthday week. I assume that also is some of the the reason why I adore it much more. Even when I used to be a child, The Open was a double party. Last time I performed the Open at Royal Portrush, it was once on a Sunday, and on a Friday in Carnoustie. This is a event that has all the time given me excellent vibes.
Sharma completed tied 51st in each his earlier Open Championships and is hoping to raised that consequence with a distinct method this 12 months. He got here right down to the golfing path 3 weeks in the past and performed 3 reconnaissance rounds within the corporate of his long-time trainer Jesse Grewal.
“This is the primary time I’ve carried out one thing like this. I believe like the primary two instances I performed, in 2018 and 2019, I used to be in reality younger and I used to be looking to play anywhere I may just at the moment,” said Sharma, who will be featuring in his sixth major championship.
“It’s four years down the line. I’m slightly more mature…at least I’d like to think that…and not playing as many tournaments as I used to. So, we decided at the beginning of the year that we would go and play some practice rounds. I took a week off and came here for three full days and just really enjoyed the golf course and learned a lot about how it plays.”
Sharma began the 12 months in good type with a tied 7th position on the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, however has neglected 9 cuts in 15 begins since then.
“I’m enjoying smartly. And I’ve been telling my trainer and my dad that I’ve been enjoying in reality smartly. There have been a couple of technical problems perhaps a month in the past that I used to be making an attempt to determine with the swing. Last week, I felt in reality excellent with it within the first spherical of the Scottish Open and grinded out a two-under par. The 2d day additionally wasn’t dangerous, however we have been at the more difficult facet of the draw and I simply did not make any putts. I hit the ball in reality smartly, and I drove it in reality properly, which was once a large sure.
“Having practiced right here with my trainer, I felt in reality acquainted once I got here right here on Monday. It additionally roughly is helping as a result of as soon as I’ve observed the path, I do not really feel like I wish to do so much all the way through the event week. All my prep has been at the quick recreation.
Sharma, who certified for the Open this 12 months by means of distinctive feature of completing throughout the top-30 of the DP World Tour’s 2022 Race to Dubai, realizes it is going to be a large week for the way his season shapes up.
“A good show here would mean a lot. I think The Open just stands out from the rest of the season. Not to put any pressure, it’s just that it’s an amazing feeling playing a major. I just want to go out there and have fun, obviously, a great result would be very appreciated with my whole family being here and cheering me as well,” stated Sharma.
“As I said, I feel like I’m playing well. I just need to go and manage myself the way I have done in the past in the Opens that I played well. All the aspects of the game are firing really well. And I’m pretty confident about a good result.”
Sharma has been paired with Finland’s Kalle Samooja and American Gunner Wiebe at the first two days and begins his marketing campaign on Thursday at 8:04pm IST.