Calcutta: Arjun Atwal and Anirban Lahiri are among the two names that have enabled India carve out a place in the golfing map.
But according to Atwal, Lahiri can achieve much more than he actually has so far. Being the first Indian to feature at The Presidents Cup and ending the year by winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit title, Lahiri should get better and stronger in the years to come, feels Atwal.
"Anirban has done amazingly well. As far as his future is concerned, I think it's really bright. He is only 28 years.
"I know the kid personally. Every time he asks for advice, I have nothing but good stuff for him. I think he can be as good as he wants to be," Atwal told The Telegraph on the sidelines of the Audi Quattro Cup, at the RCGC, on Friday.
His younger brother, Govind, combined with Rajib Ghose to emerge as the top team in the Calcutta-leg of the multi-city event.
Asked about Lahiri's strengths and weaknesses, Atwal said: "I don't know about his weaknesses, but I know he drives the ball really well and he is mentally very strong. These are two things that can take you very, very far in this sport."
SSP Chowrasia is one person with whom Atwal has a good rapport and more than that, a special relationship that goes back to the time both of them trained at the RCGC in their early days.
No wonder Atwal's views suggest he would be happier if SSP scales higher heights, more than anyone else.
"I know SSP better because we both began and learnt our golf from here, at the RCGC. He is a true professional with an efficient game. He doesn't make too many mistakes and is mentally strong as well. That's what I like the most about him.
"Besides, he has one of the best short games in the world. He is doing very well and I like to see anybody from Calcutta doing well, especially SSP," Atwal said.
Being the first player born in the country to become a member of the PGA Tour, Atwal is very optimistic of the Indian golf's future. "It's up to the future generation to determine how good they can and want to be. It's all about the individual.
"Some people are happy with wherever they reach. But eventually, it all depends on what goals you set for yourself and how far you want to go," he explained.
Talking about Tiger Woods, Atwal believes his good friend is still capable of making a comeback. "For sure, Tiger can make a comeback.
"I spent some time with him in his house (in Florida) just before coming here. He is fine, he is obviously recovering from his back surgeries and stuff... He is in a very positive state of mind and he is going to come back really strong. I won't be surprised to see him win and win a lot again."
What about his own self? Atwal then replied: "I know I am 42. Age might just be a number, I know. But I'm on the last phase of my final push. I can continue till about 50.
"I have about seven solid years left. So, I want to give it one last push and see how many tournaments I can win. Because now, it's not really about trying to finish top 10. It never was actually.
"I just want to see if I can still win tournaments and deep down, I believe I can do so... Just want to keep believing."
Atwal heads off to Kuala Lumpur next for the Maybank Malaysian Open. "I really like playing it as I have won there twice," he said.
"I travel to Perth in Australia for a tournament, and thereafter, I have the Thailand Open and so on... But after a fortnight from coming Monday, I'll be back again in Calcutta for three-four days to take a short break," he said.
Reminiscing about the RCGC, Atwal said: "It symbolises my home. This is where I have practised and learnt the game.
"It has helped me grow as a player and will always have a special place in my heart."
