[1]To dream is easy, but very few strive hard to make it a reality. City golfer Chinnawamy Muniyappa, who started off as a caddie has continued to chase his fairway dreams, despite several setbacks. The 35-year-old who won the Indian Open in 2009 is currently battling the worst phase of his career with a disc injury which kept him away from the course for a year.
Although he is keeping fingers crossed for the Indian Open this week, the Bengaluru golfer is desperate to showcase his wares in front of his home crowd at an event which was a life-changing experience three years ago.
Muniyappa who is struggling with a disc bulge on his lower back said, “I’m feeling 90 per cent better. I’ve played six tournaments since April and made the cut in all of them. I’m getting better day by day. Game-wise, I’ve recovered just 60 per cent and have a lot of catching up to do.”
Though Muniyappa, the 2009 Asian Rookie of the Year, is still weighing his chances of playing this week, he’s all excited about the event on his home course.
“It’s a nice opportunity to be playing the Indian Open at your home course. I still haven’t decided whether to play or not as I can still feel the pain. I’m going to play the practice rounds and then take a call. I hope to make it. Having said that, I feel India has a lot of talented players and I’m confident one of us will win it. Anirban has been playing well while Bhullar is coming off a victory.”
Muniyappa, who knows the course conditions like the back of his hand, believes the short game will hold the key to success. “At KGA, it’s all about the short game. One who putts well will win it. I’m confident it is going to throw up a great challenge. But the conditions at this time of year is a little tricky,” said the pro who will head to Las Vegas for a three-day course from November 12 at Butch Harmon School of Golf.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/muniyappajpgcropdisplayjpg-701