Chennai golfer Shivnaren Srinivasan turned professional after a fine performance in the PGTI’s Qualifying School-Final Stage at the Kensville Golf & Country Club, Ahmedabad, recently.
The 21-year-old, a student of Loyola College, returned a card of six-over 294 to finish tied seventh (along with four others). He is the only golfer from Tamil Nadu to acquire a full card for the new season. Only the top-35 are eligible from the Q-school to qualify from the A-category.
“It feels great to qualify for the full card. I played well and am very happy with my performance,” Shivnaren told The Hindu here on Tuesday.
“Becoming a professional, has been one of my long-standing goals,” said Shivnaren.
He said he was looking forward to taking part in his first PGTI tournament at home — the Chennai Open beginning on March 1.
A left-hander, a rarity in golf, Shivnaren said he was a huge fan of Phil Mickelson. “Since he (Mickelson) is a left-hander like me, a genial person and his recovery shots are great. Most important, he is an entertainer,” he said.
Shivnaren felt that Tamil Nadu should have more youth tournaments like in parts of North India and Bengaluru so that more youngsters take up the sport.