SSP Chawrasia will attempt to achieve a rare hat-trick of titles at this week’s International Series India presented by DLF, by trying to win a third different tournament at the same venue.

The Indian star claimed the Avantha Masters here at DLF Golf and Country Club in New Delhi in 2011, and six years later triumphed at the Hero Indian Open at the same venue.

Aged 46 and in the twilight of his career it will be a tall order – especially at an event that features the strongest field ever assembled in India, with the likes of American Bryson DeChambeau playing. However, Chawrasia is very clear about what he needs to do: “Hit it straight and leave myself 10-foot uphill putts.”

A completely different layout was used for the first win, while this week he faces the course that he played in 2017 – one of the longest and toughest on Tour – when he won by seven shots.

“You know, the course is so tough; left, right, water hazards, jungle and everything,” he explained.

SSP Chawrasia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

“So, I was trying to play straight shots back then, as that’s my strength, actually. I was just focusing on that and making some good putts. I think that’s why I won. So, I would say that’s the key.”

In 2017, he had a huge lead playing the final hole, a demanding par-five, which has water down the left side, and chose to play three lay-up shots. He reached the green in four and two putted for a six. It his second victory in his National Open as he also won the event the year before, at Delhi Golf Club. It could have been three in-a-row, but he was defeated by his compatriot Anirban Lahiri in a play-off in 2015, also at Delhi Golf Club.

“I remember when I won in 2017 it was my first time playing the course that week, so I practiced a lot, playing 36-hole practice rounds, trying to understand the course. And finally, I did!” Chawrasia said.

He lost his Asian Tour card last year after finishing 101^st on the Order of Merit. Fortunately, having played on the Asian Tour for 25 years with great success, highlighted by six victories, he gets to keep playing through the career earnings category. He is currently 11^th on the table having won just over US$3.5 million.

He finished in a tie for 31^st at last week’s Smart Infinity Philippine Open – the season-opening event on the Asian Tour. That event was also played on a course where he has won before, Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.

“Things were great to start the first event,” he said. “I was playing good actually, just a couple mistakes, but anyway I recovered. But yeah, it’s a great course, and I won the Resorts World Manila Masters in 2016 there.

SSP Chawrasia. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

“Definitely my game is in good shape. Because even last year, in the beginning of the year I was playing well, so I guess I’m playing the same. I’m in the same situation right now so I’m playing well now, yes.”

Chawrasia’s story is a remarkable one. He started out as a caddie at Royal Calcutta Golf Club, where his father was a greenkeeper, before going onto achieve fame and fortune as a tour pro. He was also runner up in the Indian Open in 1999, 2006, 2013 and has won dozens of domestic titles.

As he gradually winds down his career before the senior game, he’s looking to go out with a bang – so a return to DLF could not have come at a better time.