Himmat Singh Rai is on a high after his maiden Asian Tour win at the ISPS Singapore Classic 2011. He has been doing well on the Asian Tour and the PGTI this year, with a win on each circuit, compared with last year, when he finished in the top 20 twice on the Asian Tour. Since winning the PGTI Players Championship in February 2009 he has been consistent, and he has lived up to his reputation as a bright hope of Indian golf.
Currently playing the DLF Masters 2011 on his home course, he spoke to Akshi Aggarwal of Indian Sports News about his Asian Tour win and his plans. Excerpts:
ISN: Congratulations on your recent win. How did you manage to finish so well in the play-off?
Himmat: Thanks! It was an honour. It was one of the most thrilling finishes for me. I was well prepared for the play-off. I was high on confidence and everything went in my favour.
ISN: How has the win changed things for you?
Himmat: It has definitely built up my confidence. With so many golfers playing well, it ended in my favour, and that was very pleasing. I can also plan the coming year better now.
ISN: How has the journey been since 2009, when you registered your first professional win?
Himmat: I have been quite focused since my first professional win in 2009. It has been a learning process, and I have tried my best to perform consistently.
ISN: How did you start playing golf?
Himmat: I have been playing since I was six. My father was in the Army, so I had easy access to the course. He left the Army some 14 years ago, but my golf journey had started, and here I am today. I started practising at the Army Golf Course in Delhi.
ISN: How do you manage stress while playing?
Himmat: For the past two years I have been working with Andrea Furst, a Singapore-based sports psychologist. She has helped me a lot in overcoming pressure and keeping a balance throughout. When I am travelling on tour, I consult her.
ISN: With young players like you doing well internationally, do you think they will soon take over from the top Indian professionals?
Himmat: Senior players like Jeev, Arjun and others have been very encouraging and are doing well too. I can only speak for myself. I think it is important to sustain form and mental balance. I am working on it and hope to win more titles in the coming years.
ISN: Tell us about your sponsors.
Himmat: Golf is not a cheap sport. The Avantha Group has been supporting me well.
ISN: DLF is your home course. What are your chances of winning the DLF Masters 2011?
Himmat: It is always an advantage to play on your home course, because you know how it plays in different weather conditions. I am hoping the advantage works for me, and I am looking forward to a steady performance.
