New Delhi: Manav Shah, a 34-year-old American golfer with Indian roots, has overcome self-doubt and a string of disappointing performances to secure a spot at his maiden major, the US Open.
Shah, who turned pro in 2015, had considered quitting the game in 2024 after struggling on the Korn Ferry Tour and failing to earn full playing rights on the Asian Tour.
However, with the support of his family, Shah persevered and eventually earned a conditional card for 2026, which has now led to his US Open debut.
Shah, who shot rounds of 66-71 to finish fourth in the 36-hole final qualifying tournament, will compete at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Course in New York from June 18-21.
Despite his promising junior and amateur career, which saw him ranked as high as world No. 22, Shah has yet to secure a landmark win. Nevertheless, he draws confidence from his past experiences and the knowledge that his game is capable of coming together in a particular week.
Shah's list of illustrious competitors includes Jon Rahm, Michael Kim, Max Homa, and Patrick Rodgers, whom he played against during his UCLA days.
His most productive tour has been the PGA Latin America, where he won the Quito Open in 2022. Shah also plied his trade on PGA Canada and has had outings in Asia.
The biggest challenge US courses pose for Shah is the distance, which requires a solid long game without compromising on putting.
Shah, whose driving distance is 295 yards, takes pride in his chipping and putting, like many Indian or Indian-origin players.
The self-taught golfer, who never had a full-time coach, credits his competitive university structure for finding his game.
Shah's plan for the US Open is to draw on all his experiences and have fun.
