Shivaram will be swinging his clubs there along with amateur Rupak Acharya in September. As the golfer wants to perform his best, he is preparing for the event by honing his skills at the Heartland Golf School, New York, USA since the last one-and-a-half months.
The Surya Nepal champion Shivaram will undergo training with Aaron Bergman and Manuel de la Torre, a member of respected PGA Hall of Fame as well as World Golf Teachers Hall Of Fame. A few days before his departure to the USA, he talked about his training tour with myrepublica.com.
Here are the excerpts:
Myrepublica.com: What is the objective of your visit to the USA?
Shivaram Shrestha: The tour is mainly for the preparation of the Panasonic Open. Besides that, I am having a little problem with my back swing and am looking forward to correct that. I will also try to improve my posture. I am sure the trip will be great help.
Myrepublica.com: You are going to compete in the Asian Pacific Circuit event in September. What kind of planning do you have for the big tournaments?
Shrestha: I am fully aware that this Asia Pacific level event will be a tough competition. My dream, the Asian Circuit, is even harder. I am working hard on my game with Aaron Bergman in Thailand since the last six years. He has pointed out my weaknesses which I will correct during the training in the USA.
Myrepublica.com: How do you think about the future of golf in Nepal?
Shrestha: The future of golf in Nepal seems bright. Now we are playing 10 to 12 tournaments a year. I earned more than NRs. 500,000 last year alone. Top golfers can earn a living by playing golf. But it´s not enough; there is a lot to be done. The scenario is improving.
Myrepublica.com: What needs to be done to improve golf in Nepal?
Shrestha: Nepal has only 5 golf courses. We need more golf courses and more people playing golf. Secondly, we need more driving ranges for practicing.
We also need foreign coach for the game as in football, cricket and martial arts. Foreign coach can provide better training to the emerging as well as established players.
Myrepublica.com: Finally, as a top and highest earning professional golfer, what advice you like to give to emerging players?
Shrestha: There is no universal key to success. However, practice would help one a lot to succeed. Practice hard, try to practice with good foreign coach and work harder.
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