Some things never change. That the paparazzi were out in full force at the DLF Golf & Country Club on Wednesday came as no surprise. After all, Sharmila Nicollet was in the house. But this time around, something, somehow, seemed different. Maybe it’s just her demeanour, which now has an air of worldly wisdom about it. Clearly, the rookie year in Europe has taught her a lot - not just about the game, but also about life.

“It was financially tough to come back to India and then go back, so I kept my base there (in Europe). Travelling on my own has helped me become a better person,” said Nicollet.

After reigning supreme on India's domestic tour, Nicollet, by her admission, “took a lot of beating” in her first season on the Ladies European Tour (LET).

Tough outings
“After being a big fish in a small tank (in India), it was humbling,” says the 22-year-old, who missed the cut in all but two of the 15 tournaments she entered.
“It took me a while to get used to the weather and tough course conditions,” admitted Nicollet, whose year took a turn for the worse after she injured her wrist and ankle.

But now she's fit — and raring to retain her playing privileges for next season. “I’m here to win it (Women’s Indian Open). If I do, my card is safe.”
Of course, that's easier said than done, especially since she is down 138th on the Merit List. But there is a Plan ‘B’.
“I'll play in Asia and go to Europe on invites. But the dream is to win (abroad). I'm not under any illusion - the going won't be easy. But you have to aim for the stars.”