Bangalore based golfer Sharmila Nicollet, the lone Indian national on the Ladies European Tour (LET), expects that her practice at the Champion Reef Golf County near Kolar in the last couple of months would let her in positive stead when she begins grandly her new season next week in Morocco.
"The set up of the course and the challenges of champion Reef is much similar to the ones I will play on the LET," said the 22-year-old Sharmila, who was named the Brand Ambassador of Champion Reef on Wednesday.
The tall Bangalore girl, after a good 20 minutes of posing for shutterbugs - which she likes to do as much as she prefers striking golf balls - said she was overwhelmed with the facilities at the Kolar course.
"I have been playing for a few months on the course and am impressed with the course and facilities. The range is absolutely beautiful and the quality of grass on the fairways and greens is superb. The good thing about the course is the use of bent grass on the greens that courses in most European countries have and should help me in my putting," Sharmila pointed out.
Nicollet had even said that she has got all the stuff of what it takes to win a title on the Ladies European Tour as she gets ready for Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocoo, beginning March 28.
Sharmila said her confidence levels have grown in multiple ways after a comfortable win at the Hero Women's Pro Tour in Mumbai recently.
"This year I have chance, because I have the talent, will power and mindset. Hopefully I can win a tournament this year.
After winning Hero Women's Pro Tour, my confidence has amplified, and going into Morocco Tour next week, I think I have the confidence and right kind of game. Hopefully I can sustain myself," she informed reporters after she was appointed as the brand ambassador of Champion Reef Golf County, the newest golf course in Bangalore.
Sharmila said last year was absolutely tough for her.
"I however have learnt a lot and made many changes. I am working on my yoga, nutrition and fitness," she said.
Sharmila also commented about her prolific gaming saying that it has been improving slowly and it would take her two to three years to establish herself on the LET.
"I am more confident about my game now and also a little more creative," she said.
Tarun Sardesai, the coach of Sharmila, said his ward has improved tremendously in recent times igniting hopes of not less than a title win.
"I saw her hitting the golf further which was quite an advantage," he said.
Champion Reef Golf Private Limited Managing Director George Menomparampil said Golf tourism is a promising sector which India is yet to tap, though there are several golf courses which are of international standards.
As per an independent study, about 70 to 80 per cent of golfers are prepared to visit a new golfing destination and this community reflects the wealthiest 50 per cent of all golfers, he said.
