Golfer Vani bracing up for European challenge in 2018

After consolidating her ground on the Ladies European Tour (LET) -- thanks to a top-10 finish at the Indian Open, ace golfer Vani Kapoor on Friday said she is aiming to put in a stronger show on the European circuit.

The 23-year-old, who finished joint sixth in the final standings of the Indian Open, said the performance did a world of good to her confidence, going into the new season.

"The 2017 Indian Open was the turning point for me. I was really nervous on the final day but I kept my nerves together and just went out there to enjoy the moment. That's something that has given me a lot of confidence," Vani told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the Thai Golf Passport.

"I feel I have grown a lot last year, like my game has matured and also matured mentally, which helped me get a full Tour Card for 2018.

"This also means I am actually going to get many more tournaments because as a rookie you don't get much to play," added Vani, who went into the final day of the Indian Open at joint 2nd position before finally settling for the sixth spot.

Commenting on her biggest takeaways from the past year, the Gurugram golfer said: "The year 2017 helped me understand a lot about the game. The importance of being in the present and mastering over little parts of our game which actually make a huge impact. I am all charged up for a better 2018.

"Now I am travelling for the next couple of months, first Australia then South Africa. I am going to put in all the experience which I gathered last year and grab something more which will help me better my game.

Asked about her goals for the upcoming season, Vani was quick to spell out her European Tour dreams.

"I am going to play the European Tour, where I will be getting into, besides the Majors. Actually the European Tour will have more tournaments this year, which is 12 definitely but they are planning to add a few more probably taking it to 15.

"This year my goal is not to keep experimenting (on my game). Whatever I had to change, I am done with last year. It needs to be more field-based and I just want to have one swing thought, whatever my major fault in swing is which keeps going off," she added.

With an eye on the Olympics 2020, the diminutive golfer is full of motivation to try and rise up the order.

The Thai Golf Passport was launched by Isra Stapanaseth, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand in presence of Vani, and Gajendar Panwar, Vice President, Indian Golf Travel Association, among others.

--IANS

tri/pur/dg