Greenkeeper's son lands Indian Masters glory

By N.Ananthanarayanan

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - As the 10-year-old son of a greenkeeper, Shivshankar Chowrasia was chased away when he tried to give himself putting lessons on the Royal Calcutta Golf Course.

On Sunday, the caddie professional walked off to deafening cheers as the unlikely winner of the inaugural Indian Masters tournament, the biggest golf event to be staged in this cricket-mad country.

The unassuming 29-year-old overshadowed the likes of South African world number four Ernie Els with a two-shot victory that fetched him $416,660, matching the earnings of his 10-year career, and a three-year exemption on the European Tour.

Chowrasia owed his success to a flawless short game which helped him produce five birdies on his way to a superb last round five-under-par 67, winning with an aggregate of nine-under 279.

He pushed into second Ireland's Damien McGrane, who was also seeking his maiden European Tour victory, with Els ending up tied sixth after a poor first round cost the tournament favourite.

The golfer from Kolkata became only the third Indian player to win on the European Tour, emulating Arjun Atwal and Jeev Milkha Singh following his success at the Delhi Golf Club course.

After gusty winds and withered greens made life awkward for the players on Saturday, none could respond once Chowrasia went ahead on the front nine with spectacular birdie attempts.