Wristy genius Lara learnt to play right when golf happened

Wristy genius Lara learnt to play right when golf happened

Pune: Brian Lara’s affair with golf started way back in 1994 when he was very much an active cricketer, but realising that wrist doesn’t play much role in golf, the left-handed batsman consciously decided to turn right-handed to pursue golf.

No wonder he played cricket for 13 more years after falling for golf and when he retired after becoming eighth-most prolific run scorer with 53 centuries, the Trinidadian was well versed with the game of golf.

“I was fascinated by the sport as much I was with cricket, but since it needed my utmost attention if I needed to achieve something, I learnt it right-handed so as not to affect by batting,” Lara said in an interview.

“Cricket was by bread winner no doubt, but when golf happened, there was no looking back and I wanted to excel in it and still not leave cricket so I had to sacrifice my natural left stance,” is how Lara explained why he plays golf right-handed. Once Lara was playing for Trinidad and Tobago in West Indies’ domestic cricket and the four-day match ended in just two days. 

“Bowlers like Curtly Ambrose destroyed the opposition and we had nothing to do in that tiny island. Next flight out was after two days so someone suggested to play golf and that is where it all started,” said Lara, who now plays with scratch handicap.

That was the start and an ‘enchanted’ Lara struck a relationship with golf, but it was mostly recreational even as he achieved scratch handicap.

“I never wanted to play golf for competition. It was my way of achieving something different than cricket, but still it was all worth it,” said the West Indian, who is in India as expert commentator for the ongoing cricket tour of the West Indies.

On Sunday Lara teamed up with the fellow cricketer-turned-golfer Kapil Dev to play a round of golf at the Krishnapatnam Port Golden Eagles Golf Championship at Prestige Golfshire course near Bengaluru.
The 12-time Women’s Golf Champion Sharmila Nicollet along with other international golfers Ashlyn Ramsey, Nick Taylor were also present to give tips to the participating players.

“Golf is a very rejuvenating game and a great stress buster besides I have been playing it since a while now. It’s a great platform as it enables me to indulge while promote a sport that I truly love besides cricket,” said Lara.

“The competitiveness and spirit of the players at the championship was truly inspiring. Such tournaments should keep happening as it encourages more young golfers to be a part of this sport which is still picking up in India,” he added.

The consequent games of the four-city event will be staged across Boulder hills – Hyderabad on November 10, Oxford Golf Resort - Pune on November 17 and DLF Golf and Country club – Delhi on November 23.

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com