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Despite golf's burgeoning popularity in India, and the media claims that Indian golfers can hold their own against the best in the world, the India still seems a long way off from producing a world-class golfer. While there is no denying the immense accomplishments of the first generation of Indian golfers, one must separate hype from substance, and differentiate between trailblazers and world-beaters. And as long as the handful of Indian golfers that do make it to the majors keep failing to make the cut, Indian golfers will continue to be some way off the global elite.

While there is no such thing as a new "Tiger Woods" there is a young prodigy who can be India's answer to people like Ernie Els and Vijay Singh, people who are entrenched in the Top 10 and who are always among the favourites for any Masters event. Prodigy who is the first Indian to make a mark in the international golf arena. A seven year old who is the second best golfer in the world under the age of 8.

His name is Viraat Badhwar. 

The youngest Indian sportsperson to be managed by a professional sports management agency, Viraat recently achieved the Number 2 position in the 'World Junior Golf Championships' held in the USA. Already the winner of many junior tournaments, Viraat is also a Limca book record holder for being the 'youngest golfer in India to do a hole in one'. 

Next year Viraat returns to the Under-8 World Junior Golf Championships as a strong favourite to win the title, to become the best golfer in the world in his age group. With the right financial support and coaching, Viraat Badhwar is poised to become the first Indian golfer to become an international star.