Calcutta Golf Club felicitates Chowrasia

Kolkata:

It was a super Sunday for Indian sports but perhaps SSP Chowrasia's achievement was the most special. He's the third Indian to win a European tour event.

It came as no wonder that the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, which partly sponsors him, took great pride in this felicitation.

The winners cheque of 1.7 crore rupees, the highest earned by any sportsman in India has now catapulted Chowrasia to the top of the Asian order of merit and to 161 in the world rankings.

SSP, as he's fondly called is clearly an inspiration to caddy turned pros all over the country, who now have one more champion to call their own after the likes of Ali Sher and Feroze Ali.

"I think I've cleared all doubts from their minds now. My message to all caddies is that what you were thinking is wrong. Just concentrate on your game and practice," said SSP Chowrasia, Winner, Indian Masters.

Chowrasia has been playing pro-golf for 10 years now, but till Sunday he was best known for his runner up finishes at the Indian Open. Now life has changed in more ways than one, but the 29- year-old remains humble as ever, especially about having Abhishek Bacchhan at the prize distribution ceremony.

"He's one of my favourite actors and it felt great to get the trophy from him. I was very excited," he said.

SSP Chowrasia's win at the Indian Masters will do a world of good to golf that is still perceived as a very elitist sport.

It goes on to show how support from one's club and its members can change a sportsperson's life and career. Maybe that's something from which even other sports can take a cue.