Glenmuir, the oldest golf clothing brand in golf, continues to be the choice of champions and enthusiasts alike. Their journey, steeped in tradition, has seen them outfit Ryder Cup legends, major victors, and keen beginners, all united by their passion for golf. This is the essence of the sport; this is the essence of Glenmuir.
Glenmuir are thrilled to announce Shubhankar Sharma, India’s youngest European Tour victor, as the latest addition to their #GolfersOfGlenmuir family. Shubhankar’s preference for their g.TORRANCE performance shirt, known for its breathability and flexibility, is a testament to their commitment to quality. Honouring his heritage, Glenmuir’s skilled artisans in Lanark have exquisitely embroidered the chakra from the Indian flag onto the g.COWAN performance cap.
Glenmuir caught up with Shubhankar whilst he was out in Singapore preparing for the Singapore Classic and the Indian Open taking place at the DLF Golf Club in Delhi India.
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Shubhankar Sharma and I’m a professional golfer from India on the DP World Tour. This is my 12th season as a pro and 7th on the DP World Tour. The Joburg Open and the Maybank Malaysian Open are my two victories on the DP and the Asian Tour in addition to the 6 on the Professional Golf Tour of India.
When did you start playing golf and how?
I started playing golf in 2002. My dad bought a second-hand car and there was an old set of clubs in the boot which the owner didn’t want. So, my father bought the golf set also. Both of us started on the same day and I fell in love instantly with the game and have never looked back after that.
What was golf like growing up in India?
My dad was in the Indian Army, and I was very lucky that all Army stations that he was posted at had golf courses. Growing up I was very intrigued by the technicalities of the golf swing and would practice for hours every day after school trying to get the right positions and strike on the ball. I read every article in the golf digest and got hold of every coaching CD I could find. They were fun times and I got better very quickly once I started competing on the national junior circuit. There were many juniors much better than me which kept me hungry to get better every day.
What does the golf industry look like in India today and how can we grow the game there and produce the next Shubhankar Sharma?
Golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. We have many good players on the international tours with multiple wins over the years. More people are joining golf courses, and the industry is growing every year. Also, India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and people want to invest time and money into a sport like golf. This makes for an exciting time for juniors to take up the game which is already happening in all the big cities. The next step for us would be to build range facilities in the smaller towns and make the game more accessible to everyone. I feel that the present government is taking a lot of interest in an Olympic sport like Golf and will be influential in growing golf infrastructure all over India.
When were your DP World Tour wins?
The Joburg Open in December 2017 and Maybank Malaysian Open in Feb 2018 are my two wins.
Which is your favourite win and why?
It would be the Joburg Open. I didn’t have a card on tour and played that event from the Asian Tour side as it was a co-sanctioned event back then. I just remember being really calm that week and even when the finish got pushed to Monday I was in the zone and had a great finish to the event which I was very proud of. Changed everything for me.
What is your favourite golf course in the world and why?
Tough to pick one but Royal Portrush would be one of the best courses I’ve ever played. I love links golf and played the British Open there in 2019.
What is your favourite club in the bag and why?
My favourite golf club is the 2 iron. My first ever club was a cut down 2 iron and it remains my favourite till date. Maybe it’s comfort, maybe nostalgia but it remains my favourite.
What golf clubs are you currently using if you could go through the bag with us including you ball?
I play a blended set of clubs which I am comfortable with. At the moment I am using:
Driver: Titleist TSR 3 driver
3-Wood: TaylorMade Sim Max 3
2 Iron: Srixon 2
4-PW: Titleist CB 714 irons
Wedges: 50, 56 and 60 degree Titleist SM8
Putter: TaylorMade Truss
You used to be a Nike sponsored athlete, can you tell us a little bit about why you moved to Glenmuir?
I had a great relationship with Nike for the past 6 years and they were really good to me. It just felt like a good time to part ways. I love Glenmuir as a brand. The clothes have a very sharp, elegant and classic appearance and with their Managing Director Mikhel and his Indian roots; it felt just right to work with the brand. I’ve heard a lot about the men’s golf knitwear and looking forward to the season in mainland Europe. They are one of the oldest golf clothing brands with a history of over 130 years and are also Ryder Cup partners.
Shubhankar is in esteemed company, alongside PGA Tour’s Aaron Rai with his trusty MacWet golf rain gloves, European Tour stalwart and multiple winner Stephen Gallacher, Ladies European Tour winner Carmen Alonso, LET Rookie Clara Young, and European Tour Rookie Jeremy Freiburghaus. Their choice of Glenmuir is a tribute to the unparalleled quality the brand brings to the golf course in the varying and demanding climate, conditions and competition that the DP World Tour, PGA Tour and Ladies European Tour schedule demands.