India's rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar is gearing up for another magical year.

He will be launching his campaign at the season-opening Asian Tour International in Bangkok next month

The 21-year talent is still pinching himself after enjoying a dream season where he won once, finished runner-up three times, made his Major debut and came in a high sixth place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit with over US$300,000 in winnings.

His goals for 2010 are relatively straight forward - emulate last year's success in Asia and test his game abroad.

"Last year was a dream year and I feel really pumped up about the new season ahead. I'll be playing in our first event and I hope to get a good start. My aim is to keep improving every year, keep working hard and the results will come," said Bhullar.

"The Asian Tour has helped a lot. I've learned a lot and I'm fortunate that it has given me a lot - name and fame. Through the exposure, I've gained in experience and every year, play is getting tougher on the Asian Tour. But in the end, it makes me a better player."

Bhullar expects competition to be stiff in 2010, especially with new regulations pertaining to the clubface grooves being enforced for the new season. He is also keen to Monday-qualify for US PGA Tour events.

"I'm looking to perform well and maintain a level consistency in the new season. I'm looking forward to the Asian Tour International. I'm quite confident although I'm sure 2010 will be a hard year. I want to play in every event and will also try to get some tournament play in Europe.

"Last year, I struck the ball the best that I have in two years. But in mid-season, when I was enjoying a good patch, I putted really well. I didn't have a single three putt in seven or eight straight tournaments as I kept making those six foot putts.

"But with the new regulations in play regarding the grooves, it'll be important to improve on my short game. We need to be sharper around the greens as the new wedges are not spinning much. Everyone has to work harder to check the ball or spin the ball on the greens," he said.

A former Indian amateur number one where he won the team silver at the Asian Games in Doha, Bhullar's rise in the professional ranks has been spectacular. He came close to winning in his rookie season in 2007, losing to Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines who shot a birdie, eagle in the last two holes to win the Indonesia President Invitational.

In 2008, Bhullar produced a heroic closing round of 64 at the penultimate event of the season to secure the last Tour card by a mere US$681. He then put together three straight top-10s early last season before breaking through at the Indonesia President Invitational for his maiden title. He also finished runner-up in India, Brunei and Macau.

"My mental game was one of the key factors that helped me last season. My coach taught me a few mental things and I worked on it and the confidence level just went up. I've also worked with my yoga trainer to improve on my concentration on the golf course and it helped me to focus better. I'll keep doing these things which have worked out well for me," he said.

ABOUT GAGANJEET BHULLAR                                                                     

Country:                      India

Date Of Birth:             April 27, 1988

Residence:                   Kapurthala, India

Family:                        Single

Turned Pro:                 2006

ASIAN TOUR VICTORY: (1) 2009 Indonesia President Invitational.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Big-hitting Gaganjeet enjoyed a spectacular season in 2009, winning his maiden title on the Asian Tour and followed that up with three other second place finishes. In addition he also made his Major debut at the British Open at Turnberry. One of India's rising stars, Gaganjeet won the Indonesia President Invitational in style to erase the bitter memories of losing the same tournament two years prior when Filipino Juvic Pagunsan pipped him with a stunning birdie, eagle finish. Gaganjeet produced a dramatic but nervous finish during the end of the 2008 season to seal his full card on the Asian Tour. In the penultimate event, the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open, the young Indian fired a final round 64 to finish tied 11^th and pipped Adam Groom to the 65^th spot on the Order of Merit, the final place for a full card by a mere US$681. He also enjoyed a tied fifth finish at the SAIL Open in India and was a model of consistency towards the end of the year with only one missed cut in 10 events. In 2009, Gaganjeet finished second in the SAIL Open in India, Brunei Open and Macau Open. He sweetened his year by qualifying for his maiden major at the British Open when he finished in the top-four of the International Final Qualifying in Singapore. After a fairly successful amateur career, Gaganjeet enjoyed a good rookie season on the Asian Tour in 2007. He was India's number one amateur in 2004 and 2006 and claimed a silver medal in the team event at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha. He also won the World Junior Masters Championship in 2005.

PERSONAL: Gaganjeet picked up golf at the age of four from his father H.S Bhullar. Grew up at Kapurthala Golf Club, in a city located north of India. Enjoys listening to Indian hip-hop and jazz music.