He can well audition for an adaptation of Tin Cup, albeit with a more realistic twist.

Unlike the 1996 Hollywood romcom, where Roy 'Tin Cup' McAvoy (Kevin Costner) - a maverick golf prodigy - finds his missing ambition on being hired as a caddie by his love interest's boyfriend, Pintu Rajak had always been a caddie who yearned to tee off like a professional someday.

Rajak, 32, is realising his most cherished dream at the ongoing Tata Open golf at the Golmuri greens. He is not only rubbing shoulders with pros at the tournament, but also improving his game by several notches.

A worker with a contractual agency hired by Tinplate Company of India, the golf course near his Birsanagar Zone 7 home had always stoked passion in Rajak. He often watched club members play and decided to become a caddie to get a closer look.

A decade ago, when he was still jobless, Rajak began carrying kits for golfers competing in amateur corporate tournaments. "Slowly, I learned how the game was played. The flame within me grew into a fire and I wanted to play alongside professional golfers," said Rajak, now a father of a two-year-old girl.

Hard work and determination paid off when the caddie cleared the qualifying round on December 5 and earned a berth in this year's Tata Open. He borrowed a golf kit from a club member and was good to go.

"The club also paid my registration fee (of Rs 1,000) because I can't afford the same with my modest salary. I don't aspire to be a big shot golfer; I just want to keep playing for the love of the game," he said humbly.

Chief administrator of Jamshedpur Golf Alan Singh said Rajak was fielded for the elite tournament using the "club spot privilege" that allows them to give berth to an amateur on the basis of merit in the qualifying round.

Amarjeet Singh, a regular on Golmuri turf, said he was glad over Rajak's progress. "The boy is sincere and hardworking. Even as a caddie he was very meticulous. He also seldom skipped work during tournaments. I am happy he is playing for himself now," Singh said.

Sunil Jha, a member of Golmuri Golf Club, recalled how Rajak had often offered handy tips during the course of a match. "His tips were helpful. It is good to see him as a fellow golfer now," Jha said.

Rajak, who did quite well on the opening day on Thursday, said wind affected his game on Friday. "But, I am working hard; learning more about body posture and right balance while driving and putting. Let's see how things pan out," he signed off.