Sonam Chugh: I am excited and raring to go

Sonam Chugh was smitten by golf very early in life. But her family wanted her to focus on her education and Sonam learnt to mix passion and purpose by pursuing a double masters, even as she played golf with friends and at corporate events. The studious lady even went on to earn her stripes as a certified rules official. Finally this year, Sonam has decided to turn pro. She plays her first event of the season this week in Mumbai.

Golfing Indian caught up with Sonam for an exclusive interview ahead of her adventure with professional golf.

Anand Datla: We are very happy to see you join the Professional Tour Sonam. So what inspired your return to ?competitive golf after such a long break?

Sonam Chugh: I have always had my family especially my dad inspiring me in all my golfing endeavors. After fulfilling my parents expectations of education- a double masters and learning the family business ; the form I carried in my corporate golf over the past few years and a love for the game encouraged me to try pro golf. I have lived golf right from day one of setting foot on the golf course so I would not really call it a return.

What is your first tournament when you make the comeback? How are you preparing for it?

Comeback? I have just turned professional so I would call it a new step in my golfing career. I am very excited and rearing to go. I play my first event in Mumbai.

I had a few issues of ball flight and spin which I have been working on with my coach Rahul Ganapathy-The Magician. We are close to achieving what is required and hope to have some results soon.

You are a certified international rules official. Can you tell us what goes into making one?

A complete understanding of the rules and the ability to interpret them in the most beneficial manner to the player and at the same time being fair to the field is the essence of refereeing.

Are you planning to pursue being a rules official in a professional capacity? Or is it something for the future when you are done playing?

I love playing golf as much as officiating as a golf rules official. Playing golf and officiating both will always be a part of my life.

How difficult is it to be returning as a player after a long break? What are the things that you are doing physically and mentally to tune your game and mind to the task at hand?

Golf is a game of confidence and competence. Well, I have been out of action on the national scene but never been off golf as such. I have my game in a fairly good shape and scoring has always been my strength. Mentally, I am very confident. I’m looking forward to giving it my best. I have included yoga and swimming in my fitness regime.

Are there any advantages as a player, when you have a deeper understanding of the rules of golf?

Absolutely. Knowing the rules will keep the traditions of golf alive, establish fair play and will help play one’s best each time one goes out to play. It is often said, “Two strokes in your pocket if you know your rules” . I hope it works for me some day!

What are your aspirations as a golfer?

I’m very passionate about the game. My aspiration is to be a much better golfer than I am today. I would like to take it one step at a time and play by the day. Play at the highest level and to officiate at the Majors!

If you will allow us, can you share some insight into your personal life. Have you found love outside of golf? And what other things interest you besides the game?

They say when penguins find their mate, they stay together for the rest of their lives. I’m waiting patiently for my penguin-my Mr.Right.

I do have varied interests: I enjoy traveling and absorbing various cultures ,geographies & trying different cuisines; enjoy movies, love listening to music; swimming, table tennis and adventure sports are my forte too .

At Golfing Indian we will wish Sonam success on and off the course as she marches confidently to realise her potential as a golfer and as a human being.