By IANS
New Delhi : It was Ali Sher’s amazing win at the 1991 Indian Open that sparked off a revolution in Indian professional golf. On Friday, Ali Sher, now 45, ensured he was part of history as he made the cut in the EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters, the inaugural European Tour event in India.
Ali Sher, whose brother is the caddie for Arjun Atwal, shot a brilliant two-under 70 in testing conditions, which were both windy and chilly, to total three-over 147 and make the cut in tied 64th place.
“After the first round 77, I was not too sure, but I wanted to give it all I had. That birdie on the 15th proved decisive,” said Ali Sher, who shot six birdies and three bogeys on the course where he has virtually grown up. He won the Indian Open in 1991 and 1993. Thereafter it was not till 1998, when Feroze Ali won the Indian Open, that another Indian emerged successful on an Asian Tour event.
“This course has been my home for the last 25 years and I know it so well. It is just that my game is not what it used to be,” said Ali Sher with a laugh, as he returned to the green to practise.
“These days I have to work hard to make the cut, but now that I have made in a European Tour event, I better work on my putting as I have two more rounds to play,” he added. “It is fantastic to see a European Tour event in India and it opens new opportunities for our golfers. And personally, I feel proud to have made the cut in such a field which has world-class golfers and most of the players in this field are younger than me.”
Overall 14 of the 29 Indian professionals who started off made the cut making it a very successful tournament for home golfers.
“That shows how strong Indian golf is,” said Ali Sher. “If there are more big events, I am sure you will more see Indians winning on Asian and European Tours. Already Jeev (Milkha Singh), Arjun Atwal and Jyoti Randhawa have made a big mark on Asian, European and Japanese Tours. There are more youngsters ready to do the same.”