October 01, 2017: Udayan Mane is a man on a mission. The young man is finally reaping the rewards from several years of hard work and dedication to golf. Golfing Indian’s Anand Datla caught up with Udayan this week for a conversation about his career, his coach and the support from his family.
GI: You have been on a roll. Five top 10s and two victories have made this a good season.What do you think has helped you gain consistency this year?
Udayan Mane: It’s good to see the work I’ve put in showing results on the golf course. I am fortunate to have got the opportunity to showcase that during the season. It’s a journey and I hope to take it forward.
GI: You are currently lying second on the PGTI Order of Merit, not very far from Shamim Khan at the top. What are your chances of winning the order of merit?
Udayan: Frankly, that depends on how I play in the last leg of the season. I hope to put in my best and who knows? My objective is to go there and do my best.
GI: It has been a real challenge for you to replicate your success in India on the Asian Tour. Have your assessed the areas that need improvement for you to succeed in Asia?
Udayan: Out of the few tournaments that I have played on the Asian Tour, I know I have to take my game to another level. The work that I’m doing will take me there.
GI: Are you planning to take part in any Q-school events to give yourself a chance to play on the international circuit?
Udayan: Yes, the plan is to obtain a full card on the Asian Tour.
GI: What are your aspirations from golf? What do you dream about?
Udayan: My aspirations in golf are many. I dream about winning big tournaments against the stiffest competition. Hopefully, someday I would like to win a Major Championship. Dreams do come true provided you put in the work and develop yourself.
GI: Please tell us about your coach and other support team?
Udayan: My coach is Vijay Divecha and trains me at the Kalhaar Blues and Greens Golf Club. My coach always tells me, “you’re the master of your own destiny”. Not only is he a coach but a mentor and father figure as well. His guidance and support have seen me through some tough times and escalated the good times to another level. Kalhaar Blues and Greens Golf Club has been very supportive and the facilities here are perfect for me to keep improving. Devang Shah has been instrumental in making that happen. My sponsors, AVT and Crestlink, have helped me at the right time and their continued belief in me means the world to me. All my friends understand what golf means to me and words of encouragement are directed towards me on a regular basis. Anirban shares his views with me and I am fortunate to have guidance from such an experienced and world class player.
GI: Please share some insights about the kind of support you have from your family
Udayan: My family is the bedrock of the kind of support I have. My entire family takes an active interest in my golf and is always there for me in every situation. My father and brother play golf and that’s how I was introduced to the game. My grandparents are always on their toes when I play an event and their advice to me is always spot on. My mother is the person behind the scenes and also the reason I have that kind of support from everyone in the family.
