Souvik Nayak’s short golf career has been about taking a step at a time, and the approach has paid off.
He was introduced to golf by his father, a caddy at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC). Initially, it was hitting balls at the range for fun but with time Souvik started playing tournaments and a couple of strong performances as an amateur evoked deeper interest in the sport.
A turning point came in 2015 when he won a tournament organised by the Golf Foundation and the opportunity to train under renowned professional golfer and coach Indrajit Bhalotia. The association was fruitful as Souvik made rapid strides under Bhalotia’s tutelage.
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The need to step up led Souvik to start training under Amandeep Johl in 2019. “He has chalked out my daily routine and I follow it religiously, and my game is getting better,” he said.
Resources were always hard to come by, so when Vivek Dinodia, proprietor of High Tech Empowering Industry, came forward to support Souvik earlier this year, it was a shot in the arm for the young golfer. “Vivek sir is taking care of my golf expenses and is also trying to get a better understanding of my career,” said Souvik.
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The help could not have come at a better time as Souvik strives to fulfil his father’s dreams of becoming a top golfer.
With an eye on the Professional Golf Tour of India, Souvik is in regular touch with top pros. “I am inspired by Viraj Madappa, Sunit Chowrasia and SSP Chawrasia sir, and I keep asking them about their experience of playing their first professional tournament.”
Going with his motto of one step at a time, Souvik plans to graduate from the PGTI to higher tours. “My dream is to ultimately play the PGA Tour and win a Major and represent India at the Olympic Games,” said Souvik.
The road to glory isn’t easy and there is awareness. “My gym instructor has given me a diet chart and I follow it seriously as nutrition has a major role to play in a golfer’s success.”
With tournaments on hold due to the pandemic, Souvik has spent this phase to train hard. Not a day passes when he isn’t at RCGC practicing hard. After all, Souvik needs to live up to the faith reposed by his father ever since he took to the sport six years ago.
Photo credit: Souvik Nayak
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