Hitting Swede spot, again

The regulars at the Delhi Golf Club may have a two-time Asian Tour winner practicing among them next year. After the 24-year-old rookie Rikard Karlberg won the Indian Open with a 11-under 277 — his second title at the DGC in nine months — the Swede confessed the course was so special for him that he might just shift base and practice here.

"I can't tell you how overwhelming it is, the SAIL Open here marked my first ever Tour win, and now this big title, what this golf course has given me is a turnover in my life," Karlberg said.

More than anything it is the way in which Karlberg finished his round that makes him an exceptional rookie. Ardent spectators mulled over a play-off after he hit an errant tee shot on the deciding 18th hole that landed out of the fairway.

To add to his woes his next shot went to the rough from where he hit outside the course and into the stands. After taking a drop, Karlberg walked to the ball with a defeated look but it was a guise to his thoughts that were 'visualising' the putt. And from the fringes, Karlberg managed to chip a 17-footer for a birdie to roar into celebrations.

With his prize money cheque $1,98,125, his family, Karlberg says, can expect some big Christmas presents. But the biggest gift he has given himself before the festivities begin is the three-year exemption from the Asian Tour, for which the Swede says he owes the DGC repeated visits.

The tale of another rookie

And what ended as a dream run for one rookie, pushed another rookie — Baek Seuk-hyun to the second spot with a nine-under 279. Inexperience and nerves seemed to get the better of the 20-year-old as he couldn't consolidate on his overnight lead despite an eagle on the back nine.

... contd.

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