Singapore: There is an Indian footprint on the biggest golf tour in the world at last.
After Asia, Europe and Japan, there is an US PGA Tour title that the Indian golf fraternity can lay claim to.
Sure, Daniel Chopra carries a Swedish passport, but there is no denying that the man who cut his teeth at the Delhi Golf Club cares a lot for the Indian tri-colour, which adorns his website, and chicken tikka masala, which he loves and his Australian wife, Samantha, cooks so well.
Close friend
Chopra, who turns 34 December 23, has paid his dues. A ward of Kel Llewellyn, Chopra turned professional at 19 and went through the paces on various tours - Indian, Asian, European and finally Nationwide and PGA.
There were successes and heartbreaks at every stage, but Chopra stayed the course and Monday he found the sweet rewards with his maiden PGA Tour win in the Ginn sur Mer Classic at Tesoro Club, Florida.
Three weeks ago, he entered the Valero Texas Open on the bubble as far as securing his 2008 card was concerned. A third place before Monday's win did it.
Back in 2001, Chopra was weeks, probably days, away from planning a shift to becoming a teaching pro after coming close to losing the playing rights on various tours.
But he found in Jeev Milkha Singh a close friend who was willing to help him tide through the rough patch with a temporary loan. Jeev did not bat an eyelid and gave him a cheque and, not just that, also put in word for a sponsor's spot into an event in Taiwan.
Chopra did so well that he went on to win the Mercuries Masters. And thus was brilliant golf career saved.
That Chopra has been able to triumph at the highest level, soon after his old buddy Jeev Milkha Singh grabbed four wins on the Asian, European and Japan Tours last year, is indeed sweet since they keep in touch despite playing thousands of miles apart.
"In my book, Danny has always been one of the most talented players I have ever seen. With this win, he has proved that he is among the best," said Jeev.
