While established stars Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar lead India\u2019s challenge at International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco this week, one of the country\u2019s brightest emerging talents is quietly building a compelling case of his own.<\/p>\n
Karandeep Kochhar arrives at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in the midst of one of the most consistent runs of his professional career, having recorded three top-10 finishes in just five Asian Tour starts this season.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old\u2019s impressive form includes a tied-ninth finish at last week\u2019s am green IGPL Bharath Classic, which came off a tied-fifth result at International Series Japan and fourth place at the Philippine Golf Championship. That strong run came\u00a0after he claimed victory at the Egypt Golf Series Red Sea Open on the Asian Development Tour.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on his season so far, Kochhar believes his results are a fair reflection of the progress he has made in his game.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I\u2019ve been playing really well this year. I\u2019ve only played five events so far and I\u2019ve already had three top-10 finishes, so that\u2019s definitely encouraging,\u201d said Kochhar.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven in the other events, I felt like I was playing solid golf. In New Zealand, I just had a poor Sunday, and in Singapore I wasn\u2019t playing my best, but I still managed to make the cut, which I was happy about.\u201d<\/p>\n
That consistency has been tested over the past three weeks as Kochhar competed throughout Morocco\u2019s unique professional golf swing, progressing from the Asian Development Tour and Asian Tour to this week\u2019s International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco.<\/p>\n
Having played all three events, the Indian admitted the stretch has been physically demanding, particularly in the challenging coastal conditions at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s definitely been a bit taxing. The last two weeks at Mazagan were tough because it\u2019s such a windy golf course, and playing in those conditions takes a lot more energy out of you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m definitely feeling a little tired, but I keep reminding myself how important, and potentially life-changing, this tournament is. I\u2019ll have a long break after this week, so it\u2019s worth giving everything I\u2019ve got.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kochhar\u2019s performances have also made him the leading Indian player in the events held in partnership between the Asian Tour and the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL), a role he takes considerable pride in.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s awesome. There\u2019s so much talent on the IGPL Tour and in Indian golf in general, so it was great to see the IGPL and Asian Tour come together for this partnership,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fortunate that I\u2019ve been able to do well and finish as the top Indian player recently, and I definitely take pride in that. Of course, you always want to finish high on the leaderboard overall, but there\u2019s also a part of me that wants to be the best Indian finisher each week.\u201d<\/p>\n
This week\u2019s International Series field also gives Kochhar another opportunity he has been relishing, spending time alongside Indian golfing icon Anirban Lahiri.<\/p>\n
The pair were already sharing some friendly competition before tournament week officially began.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe actually had a little seven-hole match today. Me and Aryan (Roopa Anand) versus Anirban and Shaurya (Bhattacharya),\u201d Kochhar said with a smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cAryan and I were two down with two holes to play, but I birdied the last two holes to halve the match. I was pretty happy about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kochhar also values the chance to learn from one of India\u2019s most accomplished golfers.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, it\u2019s amazing having Anirban here. It means a lot for all of us when someone with his experience comes out to The International Series and spends time playing practice rounds with us.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has so much knowledge from playing on the PGA Tour and LIV Golf over the years, and you can learn so much just being around him. Right now, he\u2019s carrying the Indian flag in global golf, and he\u2019s an amazing role model \u2014 not just as a player, but as a person too.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re all really happy to have him here, and hopefully I get to play some more rounds with him this week.\u201d<\/p>\n
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