Kathmandu, June 6:

Until a couple of days ago, Nepali people must have heard the name of only one Khan — Shah Rukh, the superstar from Bollywood. But by now at least the golfing circle here know another Khan — Shamim, a pint-sized dynamo who has been ruling the greens and fairways in the ongoing Surya Nepal Masters 2008.

The soft spoken professional who hails from a very humble background spoke so loud albeit with his putter that I am sure the putts will reverberate in everybody’s ears for a long long time to come until another Shamim emerges. A score of 18-under for two days is truly amazing by any standards.

One wonders what is making him click. The truth is players like Shamim have the hunger for success. The 28-year-old has faced many hardships and life is still a struggle for him. With the talent that he possesses, he could have ventured out to bigger tours but lack of funds limit his journey. Growing up with the caddy community at Delhi Golf Club, the diminutive golfer took to the sport naturally and has been a keen student ever since.

Showing immense talent in his early 20s, Shamim has matured into a fine golfer and of late has been in contention for the title many times on the Indian Tour.

Despite a couple of victories on the Indian Tour, somehow ‘Lady Luck’ has deserted him in major events such as the Asian Tour and European Tour events. Interestingly, Shamim was tied for the lead in the opening round of the Johnny Walker Classic at the DLF Golf and Country Club in India. However three bad holes forced him to miss the cut.

Recalling the incident many thought what he would return in the second round of the Surya Nepal Masters after he set a new course record of 10-under on the first day. He silenced everybody with another brilliant round of 8-under. However the third round saw him commit some mistakes, especially on the back nine which gave a hint of the end of his good run thus far.

Despite the eight-shot lead it will be an interesting affair as it is to be seen whether Shamim will succumb to pressure or will keep his nerves. All in all it promises to be an exciting affair that any golf enthusiast cannot afford to miss!

Sayeed is Director, Tiger Sports and is writing exclusively for The Himalayan Times