Indian ace Jyoti Randhawa will be aiming to prove that Asian golf is on par with the world's best at the British Open, which tees off on Thursday.
The reigning Asian PGA Tour number one completed his build-up by playing a practice round with two-time Major winner Vijay Singh of Fiji at Royal St George's in England and is relishing at the opportunity to prove his mettle against the likes of Ernie Els and Tiger Woods.
"Anytime you get to play in an event with all the top guys present, it's a great yardstick for measuring your own game," said Randhawa, who was exempted into the elite field by virtue of winning the Asian PGA Tour Order of Merit last season.
"The players here are facing the same course, the same conditions and everyone is equal. It's a terrific opportunity to prove yourself. Everyone in the British Open is a proven player and anyone can win if it's their day."
The lanky Indian, a four-time winner in Asia, is delighted to represent India and the Asian PGA Tour at the world's eldest and possibly most prestigious Major. Randhawa is only the second player from India to feature in the British Open.
"When I was on the golf course, I saw the Indian flag waving above the grandstand that was a great feeling as I'm here for India and the Asian PGA Tour," he said.
In his bid for success, he arrived at Royal St George's at the weekend in hope of learning more about the famed links layout. "The course is a lot more forgiving than I had expected. However, the course is dry and fast and you tend to get some funny bounces. But you can play from out of the rough. The course is set up nicely and is playing well."
As pars are normally a premium at any British Open, Randhawa realises the need for him to stick to his game plan in the event that bogeys start appearing on his scorecard.
"Right now, I'm happy with certain aspects of my game. I'm still working on various other parts. If I get on a roll and everything clicks, then it will be great. I must settle down quickly and get back on track especially when I hit a few bad shots. That would be the key - not to let one or two bad shots get in the way of my game," said Randhawa.
His maiden appearance at the British Open was in 2000 when he qualified for St Andrews but he missed the halfway cut.
