Royal Troon, Scotland, October 31, 2024 — In a thrilling showcase of talent, Shubhankar Sharma is set to represent India as the sole Indian passport holder at the prestigious 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, commencing on Thursday. Alongside him, a host of talented Indian-origin players, including Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala, will aim to claim the coveted Claret Jug at golf's oldest major tournament.

A Stellar Past Performance

Sharma made history last year with a remarkable tied-eighth finish at the British Open held at Royal Liverpool, marking the best performance by an Indian in this storied championship. This year, he enters the event with high hopes, determined to elevate his standing even further.

The competition intensifies with the presence of Theegala, a rising star in the golfing world, and Bhatia, who has made waves by opting out of college golf to pursue a professional career. Both players carry Indian heritage, contributing to a strong representation at this year’s Open.

The Rising Stars

Sahith Theegala, currently ranked world No. 11, has parents from Hyderabad, India. He has emerged as one of the most promising talents in golf, sweeping prestigious collegiate awards and knocking on the door of a top-10 world ranking. Theegala's trajectory suggests he is poised for even greater achievements in the future.

Akshay Bhatia, who made headlines with his unconventional route to professional golf, bypassed college after a pivotal conversation with golf legend Phil Mickelson. Hailing from a family with North Indian roots, Bhatia has already clinched two victories on the PGA Tour and has recently moved up to 26th in the world rankings from 110th at the start of the year. His consistency has been remarkable, with one win, two top-10 finishes, and several top-20 placements throughout the 2024 season.

Aaron Rai, another player of Indian descent, boasts an impressive track record, including five top-7 finishes in his recent outings. Born to parents from Kenya with Indian lineage, Rai has developed a unique style, often seen sporting gloves on both hands. He has made a notable impact on the PGA Tour and is currently ranked 45th globally.

An Exciting Tournament Ahead

With the Open Championship providing a platform for both seasoned and emerging players, the anticipation is palpable. Sharma's experience and past success at the event, coupled with the fresh energy of players like Theegala and Bhatia, promise an exciting competition.

As the tournament unfolds at Royal Troon, all eyes will be on these talented golfers as they strive for excellence and aim to make history. Will Sharma build on his previous success, or will one of the rising stars claim the spotlight? Fans and pundits alike are eager to find out.