Those of us who report full-time on golf seemingly take it for granted the access we are granted to the greats of the game such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Greg Norman and others.

We are afforded media credentials to walk inside the ropes, wander onto the practice range, enter the locker room and dine in the some of the grandest cluhouses of the world.

However hereunder is the tale of a India-born sports journalist and the stress and trouble he endured in seeking to cover Woods recent visit to Delhi.

The article written by Rohit Bhardwaj and appears in today’s (Wed) edition of The Times of India

Tiger Woods warms to his visit to Delhi GC. (Photo -V Krishnaswamy)

It was in this scenario that news of Woods arriving in the country came as a whiff of fresh air, not only to give some fillip to the sport but also enchant golf fans in the Capital, courtesy the dedicated efforts of Hero Motocorp MD & CEO Pawan Munjal and World Sport Group.

However, Woods’ first-time visit to India could have been managed better with media and photographers fighting for hours to get access to the DGC. My golfing pilgrimage to Delhi also had its share of drama.

The day began with an array of phone calls. When it seemed there was no hope, a window opened and I got the invitation to the event. Now, the issue was to get the flight tickets as it was 8.30 pm already on February 3, a day prior to Tiger’s visit. Catching the last flight at 11 pm was out of question with less than three hours left and my luggage still unprepared. Further, as this trip got finalized at the last moment, the cost had to be borne entirely by me, which I didn’t mind if I sighted Tiger.

I was told by some senior pros on the desk that I could get some stopover flights (any of the international or domestic ones) around 1.30 am. I rushed to my residence in new Bombay and got my stuff packed, had my dinner (pitha or sweet momos prepared by my sister Rohini) and left for the airport.

I reached the domestic terminal at 12.10 am but to my utter discomfort found that no late night flights were operating on that day due to prevailing weather conditions in north India. I was left with no choice but to take the first flight at 6 am, which would help me reach Delhi at 8.05 am, five minutes later than the scheduled tee-off of Tiger at the DGC.

Now, what was left for me was an anxious wait of around 5 hours. The excitement to watch Tiger play before my eyes had taken a toll on my sleep. Nevertheless, AR Rahman and RD Burman’s compositions ensured I got some rest. At 4.30 am I woke up and was ready for the actual journey. To my good fortune I landed on time with the sun god shining bright at the IGI Airport.

At the DGC, I was welcomed by my journalist friends and lensmen trying to find a way inside the historic course. Watching me enter the DGC without any hassle, prompted a mixed reaction of surprise, curiosity and envy.

Finally I got the moment I was waiting for – I saw Tiger walk majestically on to the fifth green with a huge crowd close behind jostling for space and a chance to capture him on their smartphones. While his playing partner – Munjal – struggled to make his putts, Tiger in his usual carefree self avoided using a driver even on the DGC’s par-5s.

The 14-time Major champion had agreed to play only 15 holes as per his rumoured $2.2 million deal, however, the constant cheering and chants of ‘Welcome to India Tiger!’ motivated him to play three extra holes.

My friends Anirban, Shiv and Sharmila Nicollet (women’s national champion) got a chance to play with him and I was dumbstruck watching this supremely fit guy showcasing a perfect swing and an extraordinary short game – which saw him make ten birdies against a bogey for a nine-under-par score till 15 holes. The last three holes were played according to the best ball skins format with Shiv and Anirban one team and Tiger combining with Munjal.

After the exhibition match, Woods labeled DGC as the narrowest course he had ever played and dropped a hint that he might visit India soon. Even if he fails to return, I have no qualms as this trip will be etched in my memory forever. Thanks to everyone who made this possible and motivated me to take the plunge.

FOOTNOTE –

Rohit,

Congratulations on a wonderful article.  I hope one day to welcome you to a European Tour or PGA Tour event Tiger Woods is contesting.

Bernie McGuire