New Delhi, Oct 1 (NationPress) Emerging golf sensation Veer Ganapathy is gaining recognition in the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) and is viewed as a potential future star. He recently discussed how mimicking his father, former professional golfer and coach Rahul Ganapathy, at just two years old, significantly influenced his journey in the sport.

This upcoming IGPL talent has already made headlines by clinching victory at the IGU Southern India Junior Boys Golf Championship before embarking on the IGPL Tour.

With admiration for Tiger Woods and Cristiano Ronaldo, Veer has demonstrated immense promise and competitive prowess in junior golf events. His impressive performance during the inaugural IGPL event has positioned him as a noteworthy figure in Indian golf.

"I began playing golf when I was just two years old. My dad, Rahul Ganapathy, was India’s top professional golfer at that time. He is a right-hander, and I learned the game by mirroring him, which is how I became a left-hander. One day, I picked up a club at the range, and right from the beginning, my hand-eye coordination was exceptional. At home, I'd use plastic clubs to hit balls around. By six, I participated in my first tournament," he shared.

"As a junior player, I competed in Zonals, but my father encouraged me to enter nationals at 15 to prevent early burnout. My debut national event didn’t go as planned—I missed the cut. However, I quickly achieved top 10 finishes and eventually won my first significant title, the All India Juniors in Pune in 2023. That was a pivotal moment for me, shooting -13 over four days instilled in me the belief that I could compete at a professional level," Veer elaborated.

The young golfer has been trained by his father, and the sport has become a core part of his life. "Golf means everything to me. My father is my mentor, coach, and guide. Even off the course, I'm either watching golf, analyzing techniques, or exploring new courses. My entire life revolves around the sport," Veer stated.

Veer is optimistic that the IGPL will significantly enhance golf's popularity in India. He believes the league provides young athletes a platform to shine, learn from top players, and embrace a more liberated style of play in a fast-paced setting.

"The IGPL is crucial for golf in India. It offers fresh talents opportunities to exhibit their abilities. Competing alongside icons boosts confidence. The three-day, no-cut format accelerates the game and promotes aggressive strategies. I used to play it safe, but this format encouraged me to take risks—aiming for pins, pursuing birdies, and eagles. It changes your mindset," he explained.

When discussing his fitness regimen and daily routine, Veer mentioned, "During the season, I keep it light—one hour before and one hour after the round. In the off-season, I train 6 to 8 hours daily, incorporating yoga and fitness three times weekly. Mondays are my rest days, but even then, I focus on my short game. I pursue homeschooling through NIOS to balance my studies with golf."

He looks up to Tiger Woods and Cristiano Ronaldo for their dedication and mindset. He expressed a desire to learn from Yuvraj Singh, particularly about how the cricket legend faced challenges, overcame them, and maintained his mental fortitude during tough periods.

"Besides my dad, I admire Tiger Woods and Cristiano Ronaldo. They inspire me with their mentality and work ethic. Even at 40, Ronaldo remains at the top of his game. If I have the chance to meet Yuvi Paaji, I’d ask him about his struggles, how he overcame them, and his techniques for maintaining mental strength. Hard work and mindset are crucial," he concluded.