Koh Samui (Thailand), June 10 (IANS): Young Indian golfer Khalin Joshi hopes to take advantage of his good form when he tees up at the Queen’s Cup next week.
The $300,000 Asian Tour event, staged in honour of Queen Sirikit, will be played at the challenging Santiburi Samui Country Club for its seventh edition from June 18 to 21.
After missing the grade at the Qualifying School in Thailand earlier this year, the 22-year-old Joshi took advantage of his limited playing opportunities on the Asian Tour.
He claimed a tied-15th finish in Indonesia in April and went on to finish tied-second at the Bangladesh Open for his best ever result on the Asian Tour two weeks ago. His runner-up result in Bangladesh earned him a spot at the Queen’s Cup which will be played on the holiday isle.
“I pressured myself and gave my 100 percent to ace the Qualifying School for the past three years but unfortunately I didn’t make it through. I am glad that things have fallen in place now. I have contended in a couple of tournaments this season so I can’t complain much. My current aim is to secure my Asian Tour card for next year," said Joshi.
The Indian reckons that a hot putter will help him to another solid finish here and give him a boost on the Order of Merit where he currently sits in 35th position with earnings of $35,453 from three starts.
“The game is looking good as of now. I feel pretty confident and positive with all the aspects of my game. I'm working on my short game so once I excel in that, then I'll be more positive. I am looking forward to playing in the Queen’s Cup as it’s my first time there. I've heard a lot about the golf course. I hope to give my best out there," added Joshi.
He will also look to the accomplishments of Order of Merit leader Anirban Lahiri for inspiration.
“Without a doubt, he has been an inspiration and a great motivation to all of us in India. Looking at him doing so well makes me want to work harder on my game and try to get to his position in the near future," said Joshi, who will face strong challenges from the home front led by defending champion Thaworn Wiratchant, Pariya Junhasavasdikul, Chapchai Nirat, Thanyakon Khrongpha and Prayad Marksaeng, also a former Queen’s Cup winner in 2013.
Asian Tour winners Rashid Khan and S.S.P. Chawrasia of India, Mardan Mamat of Singapore, Australian Marcus Both, Canadian Richard T. Lee and Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh will also feature in the elite field.