Rashid Khan at the top of Asian Tour

His maiden triumph on the Asian Tour at SAIL-SBI Open last week has placed Rashid Khan at the top of latest Asian Tour

1237

March 4, 2014: His maiden triumph on the Asian Tour at SAIL-SBI Open last week has placed Rashid Khan at the top of latest Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.

 

Rashid’s earnings stand at $54,000, way ahead of second-placed Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh ($33,000).

 

The 23-year-old Indian won the play-off on the final day to lift the trophy. However, Khan has never been comfortable with the play-off scenario.

 

[highlight] I think I’ve progressed as a golfer. It’s been an exciting journey in the past few years. I’m going to play on the Asian Tour now [/highlight]

“I don’t like play-offs. I played some seven play-offs in the last 14 months and I won only three. I lost my last play-off at the Bilt. It’s a lottery,” said Khan, who pipped Rahman to his maiden Asian Tour win with a birdie on the first extra hole.

 

This playoff win is certainly a special gift as it erased the heartbreak of a play-off defeat at the same event a year ago.

 

“You know it feels awesome. It’s my home course and winning here is always special. I really want to thank DGC who gave me the facilities to practice here. It’s amazing. I lost this event here last year. It was important and the way I started with the first day (61), it was amazing,” said Khan.

 

Once a caddy boy, the win means a lot to Delhi youngster. He knows all about near misses and to finally attain a grandstand finish is the perfect antidote to kick-start his 2014 Asian Tour season as he now has a winner’s exemption until the end of 2015.

 

“It means a lot to get the exemption. You can’t imagine how important this was. Even last year, I didn’t have a country exemption and didn’t have an Asian Tour card. Losing in a play off last year was really heart-breaking. I had to make my card in five tournaments and I played really good golf last year,” Khan said.

 

“I finished number one on the Indian Tour and earned my card on the Asian Tour. I was really confident of doing well this year. I was hoping to win a tournament this year on the Asian Tour and to happen in the first tournament on my home course is incredible,” said a jubilant Khan.

 

This win has boosted Khan’s confidence to a new level and the youngster is ready to make the best use this newly acquired success.

 

“I think I’ve progressed as a golfer. It’s been an exciting journey in the past few years. I’m going to play on the Asian Tour now. I’m just going to go all those tournaments that I can get myself into,” said Khan.

 

Join the Conversation