Rising Indian golfer Karandeep Kochhar is making a strong statement at the International Series Morocco, arriving in Rabat on the back of a rich vein of form. The 26-year-old has recorded three top-10 finishes in just five Asian Tour starts this season, placing him among the leading contenders in the field.
Strong Form Continues
Kochhar's impressive run includes a tied-ninth finish at last week's Am Green IGPL Bharath Classic, following a tied-fifth result at the International Series Japan and a fourth-place finish at the Philippine Golf Championship. This strong run came after he claimed victory at the Egypt Golf Series Red Sea Open on the Asian Development Tour.
Reflecting on his season, Kochhar said, "I think I've been playing really well this year. I've only played five events so far, and I've already had three top-10 finishes, so that's definitely encouraging. Even in the other events, I felt like I was playing solid golf."
Physical Demands of Consecutive Events
Kochhar has competed in three consecutive events in Morocco, progressing from the Asian Development Tour and Asian Tour to this week's International Series. He admitted the stretch has been physically demanding, particularly in the windy coastal conditions at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort.
"It's definitely been a bit taxing. The last two weeks at Mazagan were tough because it's such a windy golf course, and playing in those conditions takes a lot more energy out of you," he said. "I'm definitely feeling a little tired, but I keep reminding myself how important, and potentially life-changing, this tournament is."
Leading Indian Contingent
Kochhar's performances have made him the leading Indian player in the events held in partnership between the Asian Tour and the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL). He takes considerable pride in this role, stating, "I think it's awesome. There's so much talent on the IGPL Tour and in Indian golf in general, so it was great to see the IGPL and Asian Tour come together for this partnership."
The field this week includes 10 Indians, among a stellar line-up headlined by global superstars Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson. Established stars Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar also spearhead India's challenge.
Learning from Anirban Lahiri
Kochhar has been relishing the opportunity to spend time alongside Indian golfing icon Anirban Lahiri. The pair shared some friendly competition before the tournament week officially began, with Kochhar and Aryan Roopa Anand facing Lahiri and Shaurya Bhattacharya in a seven-hole match.
"We actually had a little seven-hole match today. Me and Aryan versus Anirban and Shaurya. Aryan and I were two down with two holes to play, but I birdied the last two holes to halve the match. I was pretty happy about that," Kochhar said.
He also values the chance to learn from Lahiri, saying, "Honestly, it's amazing having Anirban here. It means a lot for all of us when someone with his experience comes out to The International Series and spends time playing practice rounds with us. He has so much knowledge from playing on the PGA Tour and LIV Golf over the years."
Kochhar added, "Right now, he's carrying the Indian flag in global golf, and he's an amazing role model -- not just as a player, but as a person too. We're all really happy to have him here, and hopefully I get to play some more rounds with him this week."
