The Open Championship: Shubhankar Sharma rises to T3 with a fighting 71 on day two

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Shubhankar Sharma was playing the Open, he needed a desperate scramble under spitting rain to secure his place in the weekend draw. With only six holes left to play at Carnoustie in 2018, he was well outside the cut line at five-over. But in his typically resilient manner, Shubhankar clawed his way back with three magical birdies to extend his stay.

The Open means the world to Shubhankar. And finally, he may have the chance to experience some momentous thrill this weekend. The 27-year-old seems intent on bearing his mark down on a challenging layout made tougher by the blowing winds.

A fighting 71 on Friday, despite a double bogey on the treacherous 17th, was a further sign of his evolution as a person and golfer. He has come a long way from those early days in Europe when he was transitioning to the major league riding on his success in Asia. Not only has he progressed as a golfer, but the young man has also bolstered his mental resilience and course management skills.

Some of his transformation was visible in his results last year. Even though he made just 9 cuts in 23 starts, that was enough for him to finish 29th on the order of merit, winning more than a million dollars. Shubhankar arrived at the Open eager to leave a mark.

After playing some decent golf in the Scottish Open last week, he reached Hoylake determined to present his full range of skills to a challenging layout. Shubhankar played nine holes on Monday and Tuesday, under the watchful eye of his coach Jesse Grewal. “My career is developing well; it is my 10th season as a professional.

It is a process of learning; golf teaches you about the game and life,” admitted Shubhankar on Tuesday. “I feel that I have grown both as a person and a professional. I am so