Shubhankar Sharma Basks in "Homecoming" at International Series India

Indian golf ace Shubhankar Sharma will look to step up and face one of the hardest tests of his life at the upcoming International Series India, a US $2 million prize purse event. To be held from January 30 to February 2 at DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram, this tournament sports a dreamy lineup. First off, it boasts the presence of Bryson DeChambeau and Joaquin Niemann, the US Open champion of the previous season and the winner of the International Series rankings in 2024, respectively, from LIV Golf.

Though global talent has been on a par, Sharma has not taken things lightly regarding home competition. Of course, the names look international, but the Indian golfers only went better and more significant. Sharma said the prospect of competition from home grounds will feel almost like coming back home. For Sharma, his chance at reconnecting with some old friends will now mean taking on the world's best golfers.

A Strong Indian Contingent Poised to Compete

The international stars will be there, but for India, some of the top golfers will be ready to prove themselves. Anirban Lahiri, a seasoned player for Crushers GC besides DeChambeau and Paul Casey, has played for years at the highest level. Other than the above two, one other name does stand out and that is Gaganjeet Bhullar who is an 11-time Asian Tour champion with a lot to expect from home crowd support.

Adding to the local talent are the Indian golfing legends Jeev Milkha Singh, S.S.P. Chawrasia, and Shiv Kapur. Veterans, these are the stalwarts of Indian golf and a cornerstone of the game. Then, of course, there are youngsters Ajeetesh Sandhu, Rashid Khan, and Rahil Gangjee, who have produced some wonderful performances on the Asian Tour with five tour wins between them.

Other potential stars among the growing crop are Yuvraj Sandhu and Karandeep Kochhar. These two had great results at the big-time events. T4 at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters for Sandhu and a runner-up result for Kochhar at BNI Indonesian Masters said a lot about the Indian golfing team, for their strength on the global level is probably at its best.

Shubhankar Sharma's Shining Journey to Success on the Asian Tour

Sharma is a two-time winner on the Asian Tour. He has seen how much Indian golf has transformed. Recalling developments of the sport, he said, "Indian golf has done so well in the last 10, 11 years since I have been a professional."

His career in international golfing began in the Asian Tour, where he won the Order of Merit in 2018. The victory marked his career as the stepping stone into two more European Tour wins.

Even though Sharma is famous globally, a piece of his heart belongs to the Asian Tour and The International Series. "It's always been my home. It's where I learned to compete with the best and where I got a proper introduction into international golf," he said.

He has actually appreciated how much The International Series has evolved-from the level of competition to the depth in talent across countries. The fields are more competitive now, and every tournament attracts the best talent from all over the world.

A Homecoming Experience for Sharma

Playing again in India, one place that provides him with a homely atmosphere, will be a huge comfort for Sharma, as the air, bonding with friends, and the crowd offering passionate support makes Sharma completely free of all hesitation to be himself.

"For me, it's a homecoming—not just playing in India but playing on the Asian Tour. It's much more relaxed, and I know everyone, so it's a great atmosphere," he shared.

Having played in Riyadh at the season-ending Saudi International, Sharma was well aware of the high standards in The International Series. However, the level of competition does not seem to dampen his spirits, and he is excited at the direction that the Asian Tour and Indian golf are taking.

Now with the International Series India coming round the corner, Sharma is well prepared for it. He well knows that the Indian golfers are no more underdogs; they are stronger competitors and will be able to hold their ground against the rest of the world's golfers.

As the tournament goes underway, all eyes are glued on Sharma and other Indian golfers who have aimed to put on a stellar show on their own turf. From the most experienced golfer to an emerging young star, this Indian golf is sure to shine in grand style at an event that has been one of the most exciting showdowns this season.