Nick Faldo | Series

January 2009

Posted 21 January 2009

Rated

Q and A with Faldo Series Asia champion Rashid Khan

This is the full transcript of an interview with Faldo Series Asia champion Rashid Khan of India ahead of the 17-year-old's defence of his title at Mission Hills Golf Club on March 25-27, 2009.

1. How did it feel to win the last Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills in December 2007?

RK: Winning the FSAGF was a great feeling, especially as it was my first overseas win. It really taught me a lot about my game and how to win a tournament. It was also a real thrill to meet Nick Faldo.

2. How did you feel during the final round, particularly with Nick Faldo watching?

RK: My eagle on the par-four 15th was a big turning point for me. Not only did it give me a four-shot lead and help me relax, but Nick Faldo was watching which made me smile. When I birdied the next hole with Nick still watching he told my coach I was a machine. That made me smile even more!

3. What was the reaction back home in India following your win?

RK: The reaction when I got back to India was great. Everybody was congratulating me and it seemed that suddenly everyone knew who Rashid Khan was. It gave me a lot of confidence and I won my very next tournament in Mumbai.

4. How did you find the experience of playing the Faldo Series Grand Final in Brazil?

RK: Brazil was a great tournament and it was exciting to meet Nick Faldo again but I didn’t play well. I tried my best but I was struggling with my swing all week. Hopefully I can qualify again and do better next time.

5. How was the Volvo Masters of Asia?

RK: Being able to play in one of Asia’s most prestigious Tour events was an incredible learning experience for me. Seeing some of Asia’s top golfers up close and how they prepare and play under tournament conditions will help me a lot with my own game. I can’t wait to play more Tour events in the future!

6. Are you looking forward to seeing Nick Faldo again and defending your Asia title?

RK: Yes, I’m really looking forward to defending my title and spending more time with Mr Faldo. I think I will be more relaxed this time as I have already won the tournament so I’ll just try my best and see what happens.

7. What are your plans and goals for the future?

RK: In the short-term my goal is to win the FSAGF again in March. My long-term goal is to represent India in the Asian Games in 2010 and then I’ll think about turning pro.

Faldo

Blog

January 2009

Q and A with Faldo Series Asia champion Rashid Khan

Most Popular Entries

My experience at the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final 2010

Hannah Barwood's professional debut

TV coverage of the Faldo Series Grand Final

More TV coverage from the 2009 Faldo Series Grand Final in Brazil

Hip power

Oliver Fisher: making the step from amateur to professional golf

The importance of core stability

Going from junior to amateur golf by Nick Dougherty

Inside the Faldo Series Grand Final

Faldo Series in Russia

A player's perspective on the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final

Faldo Series returns to Russia

2009 Faldo Series Grand Final, Round 1

Nick Faldo explains the golf swing

Interview with Rashid Khan

Achieving excellence

Golf fitness stretches

Q and A with Faldo Series Asia champion Rashid Khan

TV coverage of the 2009 Faldo Series Grand Final, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

My European Tour debut

The healthy golfer's shoulder turn

TV coverage of the Faldo Series South America Championship

3rd Faldo Series Russia Championship