Abhishek Mitra started playing golf at 12 when his grandfather began taking him to the Royal Calcutta Golf Club for practice. At first, it was a hobby but after he started winning club tournaments and sub-junior events, sport became a passion. Soon, it was perceived as a profession when he won amateur tournaments abroad.
After completing his graduation, Abhishek went to the US for college golf and was a regular at tournaments. At the age of 18, he turned into a professional. Though he could not perform in the initial events, Abhishek stayed determined and practiced hard.
Youtube Video:- In Conversation with Abhishek Mitra
Just when it seemed he was settling down, disaster struck in 2003 when he injured the lower back during the Indian Open. Golf was put on hold, but he managed to pick up the strings and get on with life. It was easier said than done though.
Life took a turn for the better when he returned to the golf course in 2017 and played a few tournaments in Hyderabad, where is he based, for test the waters. Slowly, he started to become a regular in amateur tournaments across cities.
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Practicing hard at the Hyderabad Golf Club, Abhishek has won a couple of tournaments on comeback in the mid-amateur category, and is in Scotland now to add to his repertoire of wins. Having experienced the field and golf courses in India and abroad, Abhishek is in a position to comment.
“Abroad, the competition is stronger and the golf courses are tighter. In India, amateur golf isn’t as demanding but standards are going up.”
Time will tell if Abhishek can notch a win at the home of golf, but right now he is soaking in the warmth of winning the mid-amateur category in the Indian Golf Union’s Eastern India Amateur Golf Feeder Tour event, Kolkata Amateur Open, at Tollygunge Club last week.
Next up is the Scottish Mid Amateurs, and if things go to plan, Abhishek is aiming for the Golf World Championship.
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