NEW DELHI, Jan 10 -- Shiv Shanker Prasad Chowrasia enjoyed a momentous day in the sun when he made a tremendous charge in the final round to win the $2.5 million EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters at the Delhi Golf Club on Sunday.
Nicknamed ''Chipputtsia'' because of his magical short game, the former caddy closed with a flawless 67 for a nine-under-par total to claim the winner''s cheque for $416,660 (approximately Rs 16.5 miilion).
The cheque that almost matched his entire career earnings since he turned pro in 1997 was presented to him by Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit.
SSP Chowrasia receiving the winner's trophy from Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit
The Kolkata-based pro blazed the course, firing five birdies, including four on the front nine, to beat his nearest challenger McGRANE, Damien McGrane of Ireland by two shots. Jose Manuel Lara of Spain finished on five under par 283.
Top draw and world number four Ernie Els was tied sixth at three-under par 285 with Thomas Bjorn of Denmark, India's Gaurav Ghei, Maarten Lafeber of Netherlands and Britain's Ross McGowan.
"It is the biggest win of my life. I can't describe my emotions," said Chowrasia, whose initials stand for Shiv Shankar Prasad.
The day, however, certainly belonged to Chowrasia – and India. "It is the biggest win of my life. I can't describe my emotions," the 29-year-old professional from Kolkata said.
"Before the tournament I never dreamed I would win, but I had a good feeling.
"My plan really was just to keep to par on the back nine. Over the last four or five holes I did start thinking about winning but I tried to stay calm. I'm so glad I was able to.
The victory won Chowrasia a three-year exemption on the European Tour. "Playing well in Europe will be my focus now. I feel pretty confident about my game, but I will have to work really hard. I know that," he said.
"I have no idea what I am going to do with the money. The feeling of winning such a big event hasn't sunk in yet," said Chowrasia who dedicated the biggest win of life to all those wished well for me.
"When I started playing for the first time, I never thought I would go so far. It's like a dream come true stuff," he said
On the back nine I tried to make my pars and I am glad I was able to do that,” said Chowrasia who, as well as the cheque and the trophy, was also presented with an Omega watch by Bollywood superstar Abishek Bachchan, whose appearance at the prize giving whipped the crowds, already delirious with their countryman’s victory on home soil, into a state of near hysteria.
McGrane, who played with World Number One Tiger Woods over the weekend in last week’s Dubai Desert Classic, signed for a 70 courtesy of a birdie at the last to claim his best European Tour finish, but was left to rue a bogey at his penultimate hole.
While Chowrasia and the home contingent prospered, the challenge from Asian Tour players came to nothing, although Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng shot a credible 68 to finish 14 behind the winner.
Former Ryder Cup star Darren Clarke also had an off-day, with a wretched 10-over-par 82 to end 14 over for the tournament following his missed cut in Dubai last week.
