Golfer Randhawa seeks comeback at Panasonic Open

Chiba (Japan), April 20 (IANS) Veteran Jyoti Randhawa of India will return to action at the Panasonic Open Golf Championship, which starts on Thursday, after a leg bone fracture earlier this year.

Randhawa, the Asian Tour Order of Merit winner in 2002, broke a bone in his right shin when his all-terrain vehicle overturned and landed on his leg while he was holidaying in India in February.

The eight-time winner on the Asian Tour was out of action for close to six weeks and played his first round of golf during the practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday where he played nine holes on each day at the Chiba Country Club, Umesato course.

“I like my bikes and I was on my all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trying to get up a steep slope. I accelerated at the wrong time and it flipped over. I jumped away but it landed on my right foot and broke my right leg,” said Randhawa in an Asian Tour release.

“I didn’t break the main shin bone but it was the smaller bone. It was an actual break but it wasn’t that bad because the bone was still in the same place. I was in a plaster for six weeks and had a lot of rest."

“It does take some time to get back, especially when you are older. I’m a bit stiff and I’m not swinging as good as I wish to, but it is mind over matter I guess. I’ve played a lot, been there and done that before so I’m going to try and manoeuvre the golf course with my ‘B Game’,” added the 43-year-old.

Randhawa is feeling recharged after recuperating at home and spending time with his family. He is also excited to be among the elite field at the 150 million Yen (approximately $1.27 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour where he will be joined by K.T. Kim of Korea, Natipong Srithong of Thailand, last year's Asian Tour Rookie of the Year, and flamboyant Japanese star Shingo Katayama.

“I had a good time at home for six weeks. These days they have a new type of plaster where you can walk in it. So two weeks after my injury I was walking with a stick. I went to my farm to rest and relaxed. I had a great time with the family but the only thing I missed was playing in tournaments,” said the 43-year-old.