Golfer Rashid Khan eyeing another success

Young Delhi professional golfer Rashid Khan, representing Jaypee Greens Greater Noida, will try to give his team the best chance to win the fourth Louis Philippe Cup, commencing here on Thursday at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) course with seven teams in the fray.

Rashid Khan, 24, who won the second edition of the Louis Philippe Cup representing the Delhi team, has some serious experience in his team in the form of five-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar and winner of 2015 The Hemisphere Professional Golf Tour of India Masters,Shamim Khan.

Rashid Khan had a superb junior and amateur career which only got better after turning pro in 2010.

"Making the cut in my first ever pro tournament at the Hero Indian Open 2010 gave me a lot of confidence.

"I also registered multiple victories on the PGTI tour including the Surya Nepal Masters in 2011. But the special wins that have really propelled me for greater heights were SAIL SBI Open on my home soil and Chiangmai Classic in Thailand last year," he said.

A lot of players generally find a huge difference between amateur and professional life, but for Rashid Khan it's all the same.

"I know only one way of winning a tournament. You may be a pro or an amateur, but if you can hit 7-8 under a day at any level of tournament you are bound to do well.

"I always approach the tournament from such a mindset and try not to let the pressure of the stature of the event get to me," added the 2010 Asian Games silver medallist.

As Rashid Khan returns to the KGA after two years, he is excited about winning here.

"I have won the Louis Philippe Cup once and I am sure with Bhullar and Shamim, we can do it again."

"We will analyse after two rounds as to where we stand and take a call on what we have to do on the final day. Bringing two best cards shouldn't be very difficult for our team," said Khan who is planning to go for the European Tour Q School next year.

Meanwhile, Mukesh Kumar led his team Laqshya Mumbai to victory in the second Pro-am event of the Louis Philippe Cup on Wednesday.

Kumar and his teammates C.S. Subramaniam, Ajay Gopal and G.S. Ravi carded a net 53 for a combined team total of 19-under-par to emerge winners.

The day saw celebrities like former India stumper Syed Kirmani, commentator Charu Sharma and comedian Papa C.J. playing with the star pro golfers.