SMBC Singapore Open: Chandigarh lad Kochhar youngest Indian contender

Deepankar Sharda

Chandigarh, January 20

Karandeep Singh Kochhar (22) is the youngest among two more professionals – Abhijit Singh Chadha and Jeev Milkha Singh – from Chandigarh to feature in the SMBC Singapore Open, at Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore, which began today.

The first-day round could not be held following heavy rain.

One of the Asia’s iconic golf events, the Singapore Open offers prize money of $1.25 million. The event is being played at the renovated Serapong course of Sentosa Golf Club.

Around 12 Indian golfers – Shiv Kapur, SSP Chawrasia, Rashid Khan, Viraj Madappa, Khalin Joshi, S Chikkarangappa, Aman Raj, Veer Ahlawat, Jyoti Randhawa, Jeev, Kochhar, and Chadha – are participating in this event. Two of them, Randhawa (2000) and Milkha (2006), have won the title in the past, but are now approaching the seniors (50 years and over) category.

Non-availability of caddies

In his career, spanning over 10 years now, Kochhar has faced a first-of-his-kind problem – non-availability of caddies – before reaching for this prestigious event. Not having any other option, Kochhar has to take his local caddie Mahesh for the event, which turned out to be a lifetime experience for him. “It has happened for the first time. Having no other option, I decided to travel with my childhood and local caddied Mahesh. It’s turning out to be a good experience with never-ending talks on golf, improvement of shots and assessment of performance. It will be an experience worth living for him (Mahesh) also as he will learn several things. I hope exchange of words help me spot my mistakes and win a podium position in this event,” said Kochhar.

‘Being the youngest has its own advantages’

Kochhar is the youngest participant not only among Chandigarh golfers but also in the entire Indian contingent playing in this championship.

“There’s no such pressure. Being the youngest has its own advantages and I am sure of getting support from the likes of Milkha, Kapur and all others. The tournament has an added incentive which makes four spots on offer for the 150th Open at St Andrews this year,” said Kochhar.

Kochhar currently leads the 2020-21 PGTI order of merit with two wins and four other top 10s in the season. In the past, his six top 10s on the PGTI (2019) helped him take fourth place on the PGTI order of merit. Last held in 2020, the SMBC Singapore Open was won by American Matt Kuchar with a score of 18-under-par for the week. Kuchar, however, is not defending his title this tournament.

Golfers taking part in the event

Around 12 Indian golfers – Shiv Kapur, SSP Chawrasia, Rashid Khan, Viraj Madappa, Khalin Joshi, S Chikkarangappa, Aman Raj, Veer Ahlawat, Jyoti Randhawa, Jeev, Kochhar, and Chadha – are participating in this event.