Panasonic Open India 2015: Chiragh Kumar Unplugged

By Tilak Malviya

New Delhi: There is something special about Delhi Golf Club which gets the best out of Chiragh Kumar. The diminutive golfer from Delhi followed his opening day’s  five-under 67 with a card of six-under 66 to occupy pole position at midway stage of the USD $400,000 Panasonic Open India 2015.

Tilak Malaviya unplugs the champion golfer from Delhi, who is searching for his breakthrough win on the Asian Tour

Early years: My father, Mr. Anil Kumar introduced me to the game when I was 13-years old. I spent my early years working under Ajai Gupta at Delhi Golf Club.

Highlights as an Amateur: Wiinning the team silver at the 2006 Doha Asian Games alongside Gaganjeet Bhullar, Anirban Lahiri and Joseph Chakola. It was a very proud moment for the entire team. It is something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I also won the amateur category at the 2006 Indian Open.

I was also a member of the Indian team that won the Ravi Kirloskar trophy at Bangalore and the International team championship at Lahore, and Sri Lanka Amateur team championship with Jasjeet Singh in 2005-06.

Highlights as a Pro: My first tournament as a pro was in Bangalore – the Emaar MGF Masters in Dec 2006. It was a good learning experience – particularly playing alongside some of the big names who have done the country proud. I was paired with Harmeet Kahlon who later went on to win the championship and I took back a lot of positives from that tournament.

I had to wait for four years for my maiden pro title – The PGTI Players Championship at Golden Greens in September 2010. I ended the season by winning the LG PGTI Masters at the Delhi Golf Club in December.

After finishing second at the 2011 Hero Indian Open, I had an ankle injury at the 2012 Panasonic Open and I lost my card. Another decent year in 2013 with a couple of Top-5s and I got my card back, but again in 2014 I narrowly missed keeping it finishing 65th.  The second place in Macao last month was a big confidence booster which propelled me in to the top 30 on Asian Tour merit list. I made most of the cuts and most importantly I am playing well and feeling confident about my game.

Dream Four-ball: I would like to play with Fred Couples, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson

Most memorable moment on a golf course: Winning the team silver at the 2006 Doha Asian Games alongside Gaganjeet Bhullar, Anirban Lahiri and Joseph Chakola.

Best shot ever: At the 2006 Singapore Amateur, I was tied for the lead going into the final hole and made a birdie under pressure to win the tournament.