Who's not familiar with the upper-cuts that master blaster Sachin Tendulkar is most famous for? But during a recent trip to Ahmedabad, Tendulkar was spotted playing different strokes as the cricketer hit a couple of drives and putted to wow golfers at an international golftournament being held in Ahmedabad.
As Indian golfers waited in anticipation to meet the cricket icon, Tendulkar impressed everyone on the course as he tried his hand at driving and putting. What made the golfing fraternity take notice of the shots was Tendulkar didn't go wrong with any shot he played while trying his hand on the driving range.
When quizzed whether the master blaster wishes to make it to the competitive level, he said, "I haven't played that much golf. Whenever I've been on a holiday I've swung a golf club.
Neither have I played golf at a competitive level, nor have I gone to a golf course to hit few balls. I like hitting the ball, it doesn't matter whether it's a cricket ball or a golf ball."
What impressed Tendulkar while playing golf was the sound that each connecting shot generated. "I enjoyed some of the sounds. The sound and the connection give you the satisfaction and feel about golf," said Tendulkar.
Commenting on how golf in some ways is similar to cricket and the need to stay mentally strong, Tendulkar said, "When you get to the competitive level, in any sport, then, of course, the mind has to play a lot.
It's not about just your talent and ability to connect the ball, but also the ability to do that consistently that's important. And to be able to do that over a period of time, you need to be mentally tough.
For that training is very important. You also need to be backed by a vision to execute your plans. It may not happen immediately." Like other cricketers who were moved by golf, Tendulkar, too, feels there is something enigmatic about the sport that draws cricketers towards golf.
"Golf is a passion. I have also liked racquet sports like tennis, table tennis and squash. Most of the cricketers have ended up with golf clubs. That feeling of having got the shot right, it's different," said Tendulkar.
On whether the cricketer finds golf as exciting as cricket, he said, "At any level when there is competitiveness, people enjoy the competition; specially when the results are getting close and when till the last moment you don't know who's going to win, the excitement level goes up."
Ahmedabad has a special place in his heart. "I have had some wonderful moments in Ahmedabad. It's always fantastic to come back to a spot where you have some fond memories. This time it was golf which brought me to Ahmedabad.
The affection, warmth and hospitality that I received in Ahmedabad are memorable. And I value that," said Tendulkar, who Tendulkar scored his maiden double ton, a 217 against New Zealand in the third Test in 1999 at Motera (Ahmedabad).
Tendulkar, who is going to have a home at a golf course in Ahmedabad, said most probably he is going to spend some quiet weekends at the serene surroundings. "It's a nice spot to spend a weekend in Ahmedabad," said Tendulkar who wishes to give his son Arjun, who is with the Mumbai U-14 squad for the West Zone league matches, the freedom to enjoy the game.
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