Exclusive chat: Sharmila Nicollet

She is going to add glamour and game to the upcoming Hero Women’s Indian Open. Sharmila Nicollet is among the most exciting players in the women’s golf scene in India and she carries on her mild shoulders the big responsibility of taking Indian women’s golf global. As she tees up for the HWIO 2013, she talks to www.golfingindian.com on her plans, expectations and favourites.

[Q] How does it feeling playing at the Hero Women’s Indian Open? [/Q]

[A] It’s always nice to play on home grounds with the home crowd. Since it is being played in India, there is a lot of expectation and buzz around the event. I’m going to take it in a positive way and seize the familiarity, confidence and comfort of playing in my country. I look forward to this tournament, but the idea is to not put any additional pressure on myself. If I can go out there and put together 3 days of consistent golf, I think I will be in contention The goal for the reminder of this year is to try and secure my card for next season, and that’s what I hope to achieve. If the process is right, and the hard work is put in, the results will follow. [/A]

[Q] What’s the most inspiring part about playing with global names? [/Q]

[A] Learn from their experiences on tour and gain inspiration [/A]

[Q] How do you make the most of such an opportunity? [/Q]

[A] Rubbing shoulders with the greats of the game is a fantastic learning experience for me. Their pre-game rituals, preparation, the way they go about their business on course, their hard work – all great learnings for me. [/A]

[Q] It’s being played at the Delhi Golf Club – how comfortable are you with the course? [/Q]

[A] Not really, because I’m partial towards wider fairways. i to be very accurate off the tees in such a tight course. But, it is a great challenge, and I have played many times on this course before, so I do have a strategy for it. It is such a historical and beautiful course, and i am sure that it will be great fun. [/A]

[Q] If you had a choice to be paired with someone who would you choose? [/Q]

[A] Charley Hull or Maha Haddioui. Good friends I’ve never played with. [/A]

[Q] What’s the most daunting part about playing in a world class tournament like this? [/Q]

[A] Playing a world class tournament in your home country adds on the pressure to meet the expectations of your own and the rest of the country. [/A]