Fijian charisma has ‘home’ fans in a thrall

Vijay Singh enjoyed a light moment while posing for photographs with his numerous playing partners for the Pro-Am competition, the first of events scheduled for the BILT Skins Golf with Vijay Singh at the DLF Golf and Country Club. It was a treat to watch the golf ball flying like a rocket into space, struck by an effortless swing. While golfers and spectators crowded around the first tee, a few people huddled around the small television hanging in the cafeteria. Shockingly, oblivious to the ceremonious proceedings on the first tee, they were all engrossed in the ongoing cricket match.

However, it was difficult to shake off the atmosphere on the course. Spectators streamed in to watch the tall, well built golfer strike the pose recognized by golf fans the world over. While the PGA Tour player played three holes with each group, Jyoti Randhawa, Harmeet Kahlon and Kapil Dev were at hand to take over where Vijay left off, thereby enabling each team to play with all four players.

‘‘I am looking forward to playing this week,’’ said Vijay before teeing off this morning. ‘‘I would like to show the fans here some good golf. I have played a few skins games, and luckily for me, have done well in them too. The longer the game goes on, the more exciting it gets. Timing plays an important role in skins,’’ he added.

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However, he was quick to add that it was difficult to come here in the same mood that he takes into a tournament. ‘‘It is difficult to come here with the same mind set that one takes into a week long tournament. However, I am serious about being here and am looking forward to playing,’’ said Vijay.

Commenting on his roots in India, Vijay said, ‘‘A lot has been said about me not recognizing my roots, but somewhere in India, is where my roots are, so in a way returning to India is like coming home. However, my home is in Fiji, so one just has to put the two together.’’