Like all tour pros, lack of motivation has been Rahil’s biggest foe the past year. Japan Golf Tour where Rahil Gangjee features these days, shut down much before Asian Tour and his sole appearance PGTI post the easing of restrictions was the Tata Steel Tour Championship in Jamshedpur towards the end of the calamitous season. It was a top-5 finish alright, but the question popped up once more, ‘what now’? “I had decided to take time out but for how long,” he says.
Like all hard-nosed athletes, Rahil did his best to beat the blues by working out regularly. A brand-new bicycle was bought as well and early morning rides some became a part of his routine. He was regular at practice in Bengaluru too, but the gloom lingered. Not one to be outdone, some other innovative methods were thought out. Among them were turning up for some high-octane action at the go-karting track, and a three-day practice-cum-rejuvenation trip with Khalin Joshi to the nearby @kimmanegolfresort.
Also Read:- Life on Tour with Rahil Gangjee
Strenuous practice sessions in the sylvan surroundings of Shimoga lifted the spirit in time for this week’s Gujarat Open at the Kalhaar Blues and Greens. On return, preparations were underway for the trip to Ahmedabad when Rahil suffered a personal loss with the passing of his uncle. Doubts of Rahil teeing up were dispelled, and how. Day One saw a chirpy driver and fluent putter place Rahil in a position to contend for the remainder of the tournament. Five off the lead at 4-under 68, it has been a statement of intent after emerging from grief. “You find a way of getting things done, and once on the golf course one gets into the zone,” said Rahil.
That is the hallmark of a quality sportsman, and Rahil has once again shown he is very good at beating adversity.
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