Europe start as favourite in Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy

Bengaluru: Much like tennis, golf teaches game changing lessons of self dependence. In such a scenario, switching gears to being a team person is a different ball game.

The pressure to play in a team and perform can play havoc with a golfer’s mental make-up and the next three days will be testing times for players from Europe and Asia-Pacific as the ninth edition of the Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy gets under way on Wednesday.

The biennial amateur version of the Ryder Cup will be a test of skills and mental strength for men and boys.

On paper, the European team are favourite, considering they have won five of the previous seven titles with convincing margins. In the previous edition in Portugal, they had emerged 20.5-10.5 winners.

The tournament will be played in the fourball and foursome categories on the first two days while the concluding day’s action includes 12 singles matches.

Both the teams are blended in equal measures with proven talents and promising youngsters.

The sole Indian representative in the side is Karan Taunk, the 25-year-old Delhi youngster, who will play his last tournament as an amateur.