He has been praised by the likes of former Asian Tour No. 1 Jeev Milkha Singh and reigning Panasonic Open winner Shiv Kapur for his skills. Jack Singh Brar had a brilliant amateur career before he turned pro in October. The Hampshire native clinched the Faldo Series Grand Final in 2012 and there was no looking back. Recently, Jack won three out of the 4 matches he played for Team UK against Team USA in the Walker Cup, which was enough to convince him that he could hold fort against the best in the world.
Jack began playing golf at the age of 5 with motivation from his father, who still continues to caddy for him. “My dad started playing golf when he was forty, and I just followed him. He fell in love with the game and then, so did I… My dad is currently caddying. But in the long term, he won’t be on the bag. We didn’t want to change anything in the transition from being an amateur to going pro. So, we kept it the same,” Jack told Golf Digest India from London.
Needless to say that 14-time Major champion Tiger Woods is his biggest inspiration.
“Its got to be Tiger (Woods) for me. Obviously, I’ve missed watching him on TV over the last few years. I think growing up, I mostly just watched him. I’ve read his books. And dad used to share me those clips of when he was of my age, and what he had achieved… Obviously just watching him, on TV, and winning… Its just… He is a very inspirational person,” the 21-year-old added.
The English prodigy got a few starts on the European Tour including the Alfred Dunhills Links Championship at the famous Old Course, St. Andrews. But having taken the decision to compete full time on the European Tour, he will be competing in the Qualifying School before using limited starts to his advantage.
“I had always wanted to turn pro this year… I felt I was maturing and I just thought I’d played enough amateur golf. Obviously playing the Walker Cup was a big deal for people in the USA. I just didn’t feel I’d get much out of that amateur golf. I think it’s the right time. The game is at a good place. I thought it’s the best time to turn pro… I feel I am ready to compete on the European Tour. I will be going for the second stage of the Q-School in November. I have some opportunities to prove myself. If things still don’t go the right way… I’m definitely feeling confident,” said Jack, who is coached by Dan Frost since 3 years.
Interestingly, Jack has 7 guaranteed starts on the Challenge Tour which has already thrown two Indian-origin golfers – Aaron Rai and Julian Suri – on Europe’s top golf tour.
Come 2018, and Jack will be looking forward to connecting with his roots when he travels to New Delhi for the $1.75 million Indian Open.
“My grandfather came over in the 60s and started working. He was originally from India. And so was my grandmother. Then they moved to Singapore. Later my dad, his brothers and sisters came over to UK. We’re originally from Punjab region. My grandma still goes over to meet her relatives. I haven’t been there since I was about six. I just remember the farm and the cows,” the Brokenhurst Manor ace said.
It will also lend him the chance to try out Punjabi cuisine, watch Indian movies and explore the culture of his grandparents.
(Read more in the December issue of Golf Digest India. Download here.)