Sentosa, March 24: PGTI member Jyoti Randhawa launches a bid for a fourth British Open appearance this week with a firm belief that he can stamp his mark on
the Major stage.The Indian strongman is amongst 63 players who will tee up on Tuesday for the two-day International Final Qualifying – Asia at Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course. Four tickets are available to The Open at Royal Birkdale, England in July.
Other PGTI members who will join the chase include Shiv Kapur, Digvijay Singh, Rahil Gangjee, Gurbaaz Mann and Amandeep Johl. Randhawa, Asia’s number one in 2002, has put up some excellent performances over the past two months where he has accumulated four top-10s and one tied 11th finish. Such is his sterling form that he has rose to a career high 70th in the world and he knows the time was right for him to feature regularly in the four Majors.
“Obviously I would like to qualify for The Open. I’ve played at Sentosa before and hopefully it all comes together again so that I can qualify,” said the 35-year-old Indian, a seven-time winner on the Asian Tour.He has played in The Open on three previous occasions, with a tied 27th at Royal Troon in 2004 being his best finish. Last season, Randhawa was first alternate at Carnoustie but he did not see any action while hopes of a good run at the US PGA Championship, the year’s final Major, fell flat as he withdrew from the first round due to illness.
“I think as you get better as a player, you need to play more in the Majors,” said Randhawa. “Playing in Europe and playing decently, I think it’s about time I go on to play in the Majors and perform remarkably.“It’s not just about going there to make up the numbers, it’s about making your mark there. I think my game is ready for that and if I can play well, it’ll be great,” said Randhawa.