Nicollet heads to DGC to see Tiger

In an exclusive interview to golfingindian.com, Sharmila Nicollet talks about the visit of Tiger Woods to India and what it can mean for the sport. Nicollet, also backed by Hero Group which is bringing Tiger to India is hopeful that someday she too will be able to become an icon and inspire young women to join golf just like Tiger did. Nicollet will be among the few who will at the Delhi Golf Club to see the world no.1 as he plays in a private event for Hero boss Pawan Munjal

[Q] Hero has done a lot for golf, now they are bringing Tiger to Indian soil – what does this mean you think for India? [/Q]

[A] I think that it is about time that Tiger came to India with golf growing the way it is in the sub continent. HERO has backed sport in India for many years now and I am proud to be associated with them. It comes as no surprise that they are the ones bringing in such an icon.

As far as golf in India it is still years away from being a sport for the masses. I think his visit will have an impact on the already existing golfers but whether it will attract more people to the sport still remains to be seen. [/A]

[Q] How has Tiger transformed the sport and could he have an impact on Indians as well now that he is coming to India? You expect people to come out in droves to see him? [/Q]

[A] Tiger brought in the concept of fitness and power into the game of golf when he won the Masters for the first time at the age of 19. After that every young kid wanted to be the next Tiger. I am really not sure about the scale of his impact on Indians as I have already mentioned that it is only the existing golfers who understand the game who will be drawn to watch him in Delhi. [/A]

[Q] How important is it to have a hero in the game? Who are your heroes? [/Q]

[A] I think that everyone should have a role model as it is important to help keep your goals in focus. A hero will always remind a budding sportsperson that there is still work to be done.

I have many heroes both in the game as well as in different fields. I think Tiger and Annika epitomized dedication and discipline and i hope to have the younger generation see me the same way some day. [/A]

[Q] As a golfer what does Tiger Woods mean to the sport according to you? [/Q]

[A] Every sport has had their icons of the past and then their icons who are still playing. Basketball had Jordan, Cricket had Bradman and then Tendulkar, F1 racing had Schumi and so on. Like all of these other icons Tiger brought a revolution in Junior Golf because of which every country in the world has begun to produce golfers of a very high calibre. [/A]

[Q] If you had a chance to play with Tiger which two other players would you choose and why? [/Q]

[A] One would have to be Annika as she has been great for women’s golf. I will always want to have Pavan Munjal in my golfing group as well just for the fact that he not only loves sport but spends millions to promote all different kinds of sport in India. I am indeed honored to be part of the HERO team and I hope that I will make them proud some day. [/A]