From bells to birdies for Callum Shinkwin

Callum Shinkwin is hoping good things off the golf course will lead to better things on it as he looks to regain his full playing privileges on the European Tour.

After a hugely successful amateur career, the Englishman graduated from the European Challenge Tour in 2015 and finished second in a Rolex Series event at the 2017 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, losing in a play-off to Rafa Cabrera Bello.

The following season was not as successful as he finished 119th on the Race to Dubai Rankings Presented by Rolex but that disappointment was tempered by his wedding just before Christmas.

He made his first three cuts after the festive period, including a top ten at the ISPS Handa Vic Open, and on Friday the tournament invite put in a stunning performance at the Hero Indian Open.

His 65 equalled the lowest round of the week so far and was the only one without a blemish with half the field having played 36 holes, and everything appears good in the life of Callum Shinkwin.

"I got the wedding out of the way, I got married so I can relax now," he said.

"The golf has been good, even at Q-School last year and finishing the season last year, the golf was there, I just wasn’t getting the results. I’ve found some form now, just waiting on the results to come in which will hopefully start happening."

<blockquote title="CS Hero">I’ve found some form now, just waiting on the results to come in which will hopefully start happening - <strong>Callum Shinkwin</strong></blockquote>

Shinkwin recorded seven birdies and missed good chances on the 16th and 17th as he fired a score just one shot shy of the course record at the intimidating DLF Golf and Country Club.

“It is a brutal golf course, it really is tough," he said. "It doesn’t let up from tee to green, basically from the first tee to the 18th green, you have your work cut out.

"I managed to succeed today let’s say, and sort of beat the golf course."