pune, OCT 20: On the eve of the third Blue Diamond Amateur Open, the Poona Club Golf course offers a steep challenge taking into consideration the recent rectifications in terms of yardage. Though the yardage has been increased by 227 yards (the total now being 6638), the common view was that the course would play tough. Simerjeet Singh, on his third visit for the tourney, said, ``the par-3s are playing long and needs a change in approach compared to last year.'' Surprisingly, Pune's Jaideep Patwardhan, a regular at the course, was of the same opinion. ``The tee would play a big factor,'' he said.However, with the recent spell of rains, the course as in the past have received kudos from all quarters. ``True, soft greens, a green fairway and a scenic well-maintained outlook'' are the comments voiced by a majority of participants.
Shiv Kumar, winner of the KGA Open at Bangalore, Amish Jaitha, winner of the AV Thomas Cup in Chennai and Northern India Open at Delhi, and Jasjeet Singh, winner at Chandigarhare expected to do well.
Amish, who is gunning for his third title in the eight-tournament Indian Golf Union (IGU) tour, talks of staying focused and giving it his best shot, and with a twinkle in his eye indicates a surprise in the days to come.
Among others who are winning material -- as golf is a game of ups and downs, are the talented juniors in Ashok Kumar and Shiv Kapoor -- both in their first year of senior amateur golf.
Ashok, 16, won the Erickson Asia-Pacific China Open, with an impressive 7-under score.
and bagging the IGU opener. Shiv, a year elder, wants to make the tourney a meet to remember. Similarly Jaideep, who is hungry for success after last winning the Western India Amateur at Mumbai in 1998, though not agreeing that he is at his optimum best asserts ``it's high time I win something. It has been quite a while.''
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
Printer-friendly page