Jack Singh Brar, 23, came to India in 2019 for his Hero Indian Open debut after graduating from the Challenge Tour post his win at the Cordon Golf Open in September 2018. Brar enjoyed his outing here in India and got candid —sharing anecdotes about his family, childhood, the village he belongs to, his grasp over the Punjabi language, how he got into golf, and his goals for future.
“It was a special week for me playing in the Hero Indian Open and I must thank Hero for putting on such an incredible golf event.”
Jack shot rounds of 72,70, 75 & 74 to finish for a tied-32nd finish on the board and is looking forward to bettering his tournament record
this time.
Jack, who just secured his European Tour card for 2020, is unable to hold back his excitement to come back this year for the Hero Indian Open in March and enjoy those Punjabi delicacies which he missed enjoying last time.
Golf Digest India – Can you please let our readers know your connection to India — maybe specify the place your father is from?
Jack Singh Brar (JSB) – My grandparents are from Pato Hira Singh Village in Punjab!
Golf Digest India – Do you have memories of travelling to India from when you were younger?
JSB – Yes, a couple of memories of visiting the farm in the village that my grandparents were from. We also have pictures from when I was young — helping on the farm.
Golf Digest India – Coming to golf, how did it all start? When did you decide that this is what you want to do?
Started golf when I was 5 and started playing in small tournaments from when I was six years old. From that point, it really was the only thing I ever wanted to do and that’s why it is a dream to now play on the European tour and fulfil those early ambitions.
Golf Digest India – If you could tell how were you in school? The mischievous kind, or a shy sort, with good grades?
JSB – Always well behaved! My grades were solid, however, as mentioned I only really had one interest — and that was playing golf full time!
Golf Digest India – How much of Hindi/Punjabi or any Indian language do you understand?
JSB – I speak very little Punjabi. I can understand more than I can speak however, I plan to learn more.
Golf Digest India – You had a win in 2018 on the Challenge Tour at Cordon Golf Open, how was the feeling? And what plans do you have for yourself for 2020?
JSB – The win at the Cordon Open in France was very, very special to me. Coming up the last with a two-shot lead was an incredible feeling and I knew how much the win would do for me in terms of qualifying for the European Tour. Plans for this season is to keep improving as a golfer, keep learning and obviously I must aim high and go for a win.
Golf Digest India – How does an off-season day look for Jack? If you can tell us your favourite sports other than golf and if you follow much of golf in India?
JSB – Off-season when I’m not playing, I like to catch up with friends and go for food, and spend time with my family. I’m a big football fan also and enjoy going to watch Southampton football club (in the English Premier League) when I can. I also enjoy playing tennis when my schedule allows.
Golf Digest India – How was your experience playing at the Hero Indian Open last year? If you had to choose the toughest hole at DLF?
JSB – It was a special week for me playing in the Hero Indian Open and I must thank Hero for putting on such an incredible golf event. It’s a very special and unique golf course, very difficult to play and it is key to have your yardages and numbers spot on in order to go low. The toughest hole was hole 17, I struggled a lot with the second shot. It was very windy and a very intimidating shot to play!
Golf Digest India – Who is your golfing idol?
JSB – Has to be Tiger Woods — like so many kids my age. The win at the Masters this year was just incredible. What an inspiration to so many people! A fit and healthy Tiger, playing well and winning tournaments, is great for everybody who is connected to the game of golf.
You can know more about Jack on his website.