Bangalore-born ace golfer Sharmila Nicollett is a confident and young international sportswoman. Vivacious and stylish are just a few adjectives to describe this gorgeous young lady. She has won over 72 gold medals in state and national athletic and aquatic meets in the past. After playing the greens with the champion golfer Tiger Woods, she sure is the new buzz in golf town. In a conversation with Nina Mukherjee, Sharmila talks about the sport and her life.
How did it all start? What got you interested in the game?
I started playing golf when I was 11 years old. My family was into the game as well and I joined the AJGA camp just for fun. I think I enjoyed the mental and physical challenge that the game offered. Then I also love the ambiance of a golf course, the sophistication and class of golfers, and the longevity – I can play golf for a very long time, unlike other games where you have to quit when you hit your thirties. I realized I had a talent for this game, took it seriously and it got me this far.
How long do you train /practice in a day?
I train 5 times a week for approximately 6 hours a day. I make sure I get a good combination of block and high intensity practice on the range with the short game as well as the long game and pressure induced rounds on the course.
What is your favorite part out golfing?
Driving is my forte, actually my favorite shot too. The driver is my favorite club in the bag. I think that’s my strength – I hit a really long ball.
What are the personal sacrifices you have to make to stay on top of your game?
I never had a normal school life, friend circle, or college life. I was always traveling and had to sacrifice an ordinary teenager’s school life to pursue it privately after 8th grade. I was good at academics; as good as I was on the course. So it was a tough decision for me to give up the option of higher studies abroad. Instead I turned Pro at the age of 18. I also played other sports but they all had to take a backseat to prevent the risk of injuries that could affect my golfing career. So I am kind of used to making sacrifices to really achieve something in sport.
What do you think of the current scenario of Golfing in India? Has it changed much since you started playing?
Golf is growing fast in India today. Cricket is obviously like a religion and you cannot compare the two. The only thing our country lacks are sponsors and infrastructure. Junior golf is the most important thing for the sport to grow as well. Compared to how it was a few years back, the number of tournaments now and the Women’s Golf Association of India has done a terrific job. There are many tournaments around the country now like the Hero Women’s Indian Open – a major Ladies European Tour event and also various other events and initiatives. I think the WGAI is a doing great job– of course more can be done – and they need all the support from players, sponsors and the media.
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