DOHA (Qatar): India’s four-time European Tour winner SSP Chawrasia hoped to make a strong start at the 2021 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
The four-day tournament tees off on Thursday at the Education City Golf Course.
“I did not get a chance to practice on Tuesday as I was waiting for my PCR test result. I’ve tested negative. Hopefully, I will get a chance to test the greens on Wednesday at Pro-Am,” Chawrasia told www.KhelUpdates.com.
The Indian made European Tour history in 2008 by becoming the first player to win on his maiden appearance as an Affiliate Member at the inaugural EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters at Delhi Golf Club.
The Kolkata-born golfer had a mixed season last year.
He made the cut at the Scottish championship in October, but failed to repeat at the back-to-back events in Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Showdown and Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Open in November.
The caddie-turned-pro started off his European Tour in Doha last year by notching up his best — he finished a joint 28th, the best performance by an Indian in the 24-year-old tournament.
Though Chawrasia missed three tournaments thereafter due to the pandemic, he exuded confidence that good form and familiarity of the course will work to his advantage.
“I had a good tournament here last year. I liked the course. It suited my game,” said the 42-year-old.
Chawrasia said he could not focus on his game due to a niggling neck sprain, but was hopeful that he will get into the groove on Thursday.
“I took part in the Gujarat Open two weeks back. I could not practice for the last few days before coming to Qatar. I’m waiting to be on the course and feel the greens,” added Chawrasia who was inspired by his father, a greenkeeper at Royal Calcutta Golf Club.
