Atwal plans to open gold academies in India

The golfer recently won the Dubai Open.

Asked about his  plans after retiring from golf, Atwal said,  “ I told  earlier  about starting academies . Though I am  now living in USA I am still an Indian citizen. After retiring from golf  I shall come back to India and have plans to start golf  academies in different parts of the country which would also open opportunities for  more children and youths .”

After playing pro-am round of the McLeod Russel Tour Championship- Professional Golf Tour of  India’s  year ending championship at Royal Calcutta Golf Club course here, Atwal said he feels the "golfing scenario in India  is  very good".

"It has a bright future here,“ Atwal said.

Speaking on his success, Atwal said: " It is hard work . There is no short cut to success. One has to work hard to achieve success.”                                                
About  his coming to Kolkat a and playing at Royal, Atwal , who was born in Asansol- an industrial town in Burdwan district of West Bengal and grew up in Kolkata, said, “ It is always  a home coming. To me Kolkata has not changed. People in the city as well as in golf course are so warm”.

Asked why golf tournaments in India are  not becoming as popular like IPL Cricket or ISL Football, Atwal said cricket and football are team games.

"It is  very difficult for an individual sport like golf to be  as  popular like football or cricket," he said.

Image: Wikimedia Commons