Chawrasia ready to challenge for European Masters golf title

Indian seasoned golfer S.S.P. Chawrasia says he is getting positive vibes as he chases a first victory on European soil at the Omega European Masters, which gets underway on Thursday.

After representing his country in the Olympics earlier this month, the 38-year-old Chawrasia has now set his sights on challenging for the prestigious title at the scenic Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

He will be among the elite field this week which includes title holder and The Masters champion Danny Willett of England, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, Marcus Fraser of Australia and Englishman Matthew Fitzpatrick at the 2.7 million euros (approximately US$3 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

'Every time I play on a short course, I feel very positive. My game suits this course and I feel that I can win here. I'm hoping for the best. I take 30 seconds to hit a tee shot here and after that, I'm just looking at the beautiful sceneries. It is very beautiful here,' Chawrasia said in an Asian Tour release on Wednesday.

'This is not a long golf course and it is good for short hitters like myself! I'm feeling positive ahead of this week and I'm looking forward when it starts. I played well here last year but it could have been much better,' he added.

The experience of playing in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro has motivated Chawrasia to work even harder and shoot for the stars.

'I'm very lucky to represent my country in the Olympics. The experience was completely different as compared to playing in a normal golf tournament. The athletes are so serious when it comes to training and fitness,' he said.

'That has sort of pushed me to work harder and put in even more effort in my training. It was a huge motivation for me,' said the Indian.

Chawrasia, who won his fourth Asian Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in March, finished tied 24th last year for his best result in the Swiss showpiece and could have enjoyed an even better result if not for a bogey and double bogey finish.

--IANS

pur/dg