Chinese Taipei (Taiwan)

“Some of them are very young and nervous, so I hope they can do their best. My advice to them is to stay calm,” said team manager Heidi Sheng.

Brandon speak: While we don’t want to go into the political side of things — the Taiwan became Chinese Taipei (name used by Republic of China when participating in sporting events) — we can’t forget their No 1 player Chun-An Yu won the gold medal at the Asian Youth Games this year beating India’s Manu Gandas. Point being, by the time their golfers get to the senior level, they are so experienced that in their early 20s they are ready to turn pro! Their line of stars goes back to Master Lu, Lu Chien-Soon, Hsieh Tse Yu Shu, many of whom played the Indian Open.

Bangladesh

“We’ve got two boys and two girls and all raring to go,” said team manager Md. Tozammel Haque.

Brandon speak: Bangladesh has some of the best amateurs coming from less privileged backgrounds. Look at Md Siddikur, who won the Indian Open this year and is third on the Asian Tour order of merit with prize money of close to half a million dollars. Of the four participating in the APJC this year, three of them are from less privileged backgrounds, similar to India’s professional golf history.

Sri Lanka

“It’s going to be tough competition with Team India. We have only boys as no junior girl golfer met the criteria,” said team manager Usha DeSilva (right).

Brandon speak: Sri Lanka has fond memories for many Indian golfers who’ve played there as they are fantastic hosts and held their National Championship with three countries including India and Pakistan and alternated between Colombo and what was like mini Switzerland, Nuwara Eliya.

Hong Kong

“I’m confident the team will do well. My best wishes are with them,” said team manager Wai Chun Tang.

Brandon speak: What Hong Kong emphasised on is their team selection. They had five tournaments and the best were selected for the APJC. The player to watch out for? Lucas Chadwick Lam. Also bringing us to what their team manager said, “it’s about mental toughness; technique and skill come second”.

Thailand: The defending champs!

“Their coach Natpasit Choketanasart has trained them well. The boys and girls are looking forward to playing on one of the oldest courses in the world. I feel the course is similar to the Royal Hua Hin, which is Thailand’s first golf course,” said team manager Artsawa Rungcarat.

Brandon speak: What’s interesting to hear is how simple Thailand makes it all sound while they’re churning out stars like popcorn! Kiradech Aphibarnrat is No 1 in the Asian Tour order of merit and the country has a long lineage of these star players. This team is the defending champion, very understated and for them this tournament is just another day in office. The country is dotted with public golf courses and driving ranges which is the need of the hour in India too.

The commitment was obvious to see as the Thailand team checked in at the hotel at 3am and then turned up at the RCGC range early morning and were there until the evening!

“Our focus is on the 15-18 age group because if anyone drops out of golf, it’s usually then” — Ishwar Achanta, tournament director	“Under the umbrella of the APJC, the tournament is only going to grow bigger and better. This year we have seven countries. Next year, we will have a larger base” — Gaurav Ghosh, chairman of the organising committee	“Golf is now an Olympic sport. One of our recent efforts has been to introduce golf in schools through our NIGS Programme and also launched a tee-20 programme aimed at creating champions in the future”— Jaydeep Chitlangia, vice-president, IGU

Exciting times for ladies golf in India

Gurbani Singh and Mille Saroha

They’re budding golfers and they’re pretty young things! Gurbani Singh, Mille Saroha and Seher Atwal from Delhi and Aditi Ashok from Bangalore were looking forward to the game after a round of practise on Wednesday morning.

“We didn’t really have to prep up because we came straight from the Indian Open at Delhi Golf Club so we’ve been pretty much into the game already,” said Gurbani.

Gurbani’s role model: Norwegian golfer Suzann Pettersen. “I like her game, her fitness level and her mental strength.”

“How do we manage studies and golf? We carry our books along!” grinned Mille.

Mille’s role model: Retired Swedish professional golfer Annika Sorenstam. “She has a fighting spirit. She did well in golf late in life, when she was around 26, and had a good career. I was lucky to meet her in 2012.”

Brandon speak: These young girls are giving golf a new look and feel! Earlier, girls would not play golf because they’d get dark and no one would marry them! Now passion for the sport drives them. Apparent change in the dress code too from yesteryear — Sharmila Nicollet has certainly been a role model for many of them.

the teams caught up at a dinner party on wednesday evening at rcgc

Team Taipei looked dapper in their official coats at the dinner

Team Hong Kong’s message was, “We’re here for the experience, to sharpen our skills and for team spirit!” But not before one of them spoke out, “We’ll show the rest who’s boss!”Team Hong Kong’s message was, “We’re here for the experience, to sharpen our skills and for team spirit!” But not before one of them spoke out, “We’ll show the rest who’s boss!”

Indrajit Bhalotia and wife Ruby with son Udayjit, who is participating in the APJC. “After Viraj Madappa and Manu Gandas, I’ve got my hopes pinned on Mohan Sardar who can spring a few surprises. For Viraj and Mohan, it’s home ground so that’s their biggest advantage,” said their coach Indrajit.

Brandon de Souza and wife Nandita. The party wrapped up early as the tourney teed off the next day.

Text: Karo Christine Kumar
Pictures: Pabitra Das