Shinnecock hills

Indian Golf Premier League: When Manav Shah tees off at Shinnecock Hills on Thursday for the U.S. Open, it will mark the realization of a dream years in the making. More than just a personal milestone, his appearance carries broader significance, it represents the aspirations of a growing generation of Indian-origin golfers, celebrates his Gujarati roots, and marks the first time a player associated with the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) has competed in a Major championship.

Shah, whose family hails from Gujarat but who was born and raised in California, will be one of five Indian-origin golfers in the field at one of the sport's most prestigious events. He joins an elite group that includes Indo-British Aaron Rai, who last month became the first Indian-origin golfer to win a Major with his victory at the PGA Championship. Also in the field are PGA Tour winners Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala, along with Indo-Canadian Sudarshan Yellamaraju, who has enjoyed an impressive season that includes a top-five finish at THE PLAYERS.

For Shah, the journey to this stage has been anything but conventional.