That broad smile. Tick. That hearty laughter. Tick. That inspiring optimism. Tick. For free-flowing SSP Chawrasia, the glass is always half-full, never half-empty. And with this attitude, he steps out on the DLF Golf & Country Club greens once again with his legacy sealed by two Hero Indian Open triumphs.
“If the tournament is in India, an Indian should win. Hum nahi jeete toh aur koi ghar ka jeete (If not me, some other Indian),” he says, flashing that infectious smile.
No doubt, he knows about the doors that can open with a European Tour victory. The immediate talk is of the course, which is hosting the National Open after a Covid-induced break of three years.
“It is playing amazingly well. I played the front nine and the greens are so fast. It will be tricky with the rough too, don't expect low scores.”
At 44 years of age, with 4 European Tour titles in his bag, he knows it’s more about looking back.
“Nowadays, players jump onto the bigger tours very soon and there are more opportunities. I played 10 years on the Indian Tour before stepping out due to lack of sponsors or financial insecurities. Sometimes I wonder if I played my best years on the Indian Tour. Woh thoda sa reh gaya (That little bit remains) but at the end of the day I think things happen for the best. I got more than I wanted so no complaints.”
But then, there is so much to look forward to. The game has given him a lot and now, it’s his turn to give back.
“We have a foundation at my home course, Royal Calcutta Golf Course, where golf is taught to the caddies' children. I talked to a few friends and had a meeting with the club and the plan bore fruit.
“I have seen a lot of players who were better than me in junior days but as teenagers, their lives spiralled out of control because of alcoholism or other reasons. We wanted to show them the better way. And now, we have boys playing on the feeder and main amateur tours.”
But golf still keeps on giving. The inaugural ‘SSP Chawrasia Invitational’ was held in December last year.
“Another bonus. I have so much to be thankful for ,” the man says.
The winner of the tournament was Manu Gandas, who won six consecutive PGTI events for the Order of Merit crown. Courtesy of a tie-up, he now has a full card for the DP World Tour (European Tour).
SSP, who has been there and done that, has this advice for the young man: “When I went to the tour I went with this mindset to set it up as my home tour, to convince myself it was that, it was the only way to survive. You are locked within the four walls of a room and it can get very lonely. He will need some time. But he doesn’t need to think much, just play.”
As for Chawrasia, his heart is in Asia now.
“I lost my European card last year. I was in the final stage of Qualifying School but I didn't go. I have spent 14 years there. I think the Asian Tour is doing well with a huge boost in prize money so I chose to stay here.”
And he would welcome the opportunity to play for LIV golf.
“Already the Asian Tour’s International Series is supported by LIV golf and it is big money. I understand Anirban’s (Lahiri) decision to switch. He was tired of the endless rollercoaster ride of the PGA Tour and was ready to move his base back home among family while still playing events in the US. LIV happened at the right time for him. A player’s life is short, there are no guarantees going forward. It is anyway an expensive game. And LIV golf has certainly benefitted the players. There is more time for family, more money, more time to relax.”
