Tireless Mukesh eyes more laurels

Pointing to the chubby-faced youngster hovering close by, Mukesh Kumar remarked, "I will need to ensure that he is properly groomed." After 26 years on the Tour, Mukesh has little to prove on the domestic circuit, but the hardened pro can still read out a list of unfinished business.

Rearing his son, Pravesh, on the greens is a late addition to the 'things to do', but the other item continues to be high priority and is a source of angst.

"It is the desire to win that has led me to achieve all that I have, yet the absence of the Indian Open from my collection hurts," said Mukesh, his reaction a source of interest for the 11-year-old.

With few tell-tale signs of emotion on the weather-beaten face, Pravesh proceeded to quiz his father on the practice round at the Delhi Golf Club on Monday. Mukesh retorted, "You were walking with me, what's your take?"

After giving the child, who practises his golf in Mhow, a patient hearing, the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) Order of Merit leader gave his reading of the conditions.

"Unlike last year, the fairways are softer, which means the ball is not rolling much." The greens did evoke concern but Mukesh was happy with their state. "Given the way my putter is functioning, I need the greens to be true," he joked.

On a serious note, he shared the effort going into setting his putting right. "Going into the tournament, which gets underway from Thursday, the plan is to keep at it, as practice is what keeps my game in shape," he said, pointing to the joint-fifth finish in the previous chapter of the Asian Tour event.

At 46, Mukesh has no intention of slowing down, his sights trained on the European Senior Tour. "I feel my game will hold a while longer and the plan is to play the Senior Open Championship and US Senior Open."