Ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic, qualifier Miki Mirza talks to Eugene YS Han about Tiger Woods, Jeev Milka Singh and Sania Mirza.

What is your target for the Dubai Desert Classic starting on February 4?

Being my first ever tour event I am really looking at it as a great learning experience that will strengthen my overall game and give me added confidence for future competitions. As with any event I play in, my aim is to play my own game and give 100% to each and every shot - hopefully this will be good enough to make the cut!

What are your plans for the new season?

I hope to further reduce my handicap from 0.0 to the +1/+2 territory, improve my swing fundamentals and as a consequence gain some extra length off the tee; as well as win this year's EGF (Emirates Golf Federation) Order of Merit title, which I am currently leading.

Who's your sporting hero?

I would say it has to be Tiger Woods. What he has done since he first burst onto the scene has transformed golf and has been absolutely amazing and inspiring to witness. He is the complete package in his ability to gel both a powerful long game with the finesse he has around the greens and his putting. Above all, his mental strength is most impressive.

What do you think about Tiger Woods’ ‘enforced absence’? Is he still a qualified role-model?

I think Tiger Woods has a lot on his plate to deal with in his personal life at the moment and so until that is completely sorted out he will not be able to make his return. The golfing world is missing him already and this will be even more apparent as the season progresses. I suppose he will try to be back in time for the Masters - it would be the perfect venue for him to return to the game.

I don't think he is qualified as a role model anymore but frankly I never considered him to be one to begin with. He is a great golfer and I admire him for his abilities on the course. His personal life is another matter!

Why golf?

My brother and a family friend here in Dubai first introduced me to the game. I tagged along with them during a round and it looked like fun so my parents signed me up for some lessons at the Dubai Creek Golf Academy. I just loved the challenge and had a great time with fellow juniors playing on the Par 3 course and competing in the contests that the Academy organized. I just stuck with it, got better, and eventually started playing on the 18 hole golf course; and have just kept at it since!

At the moment, who is the best golfer in India?

I think Jeev Milkha Singh's solid performance on the Asian Tour catapulted him to even greater success on the European Tour and PGA Tour. Being the first Indian to qualify for the European Tour has inspired many others to follow in his footsteps. Arjun Atwal and Jyoti Randhawa are among others who have enjoyed similar successes and display the depth of Indian talent in the golfing world.

Who is the best young talent to come out of India?

Shiv Kapur - he nearly won a few weeks ago at the South African Open, losing out to Richie Ramsey in a play-off. He has had some consistent performances and am sure will get back into the winner's circle soon enough. Another young player to look out for is Gaganjeet Bhullar who has had a successful year on the Asian Tour.

What’s your best moment so far as a golfer?

My best experience as a golfer by far has got to be qualifying for the Desert Classic! I have won other amateur and pro mixed events here as well as my Club Championship which was also a great experience. But sinking that putt to win the Qualifier against such a strong field of scratch golfers was certainly a moment I won't forget!

Will you be turning professional soon?

As of now I have no plans to turn professional. I will continue to work to strengthen my overall game, swing technique and improve my handicap down to plus figures. If I am able to accomplish these things and consistently produce scores under par then can consider such options, but till then I plan on taking it one step at a time and enjoying the journey!

And lastly, are you in any way related to Sania Mirza?

Yes I am related to Sania Mirza - our fathers are first-cousins and do keep in touch from time to time. However I do not really know her that well personally and have met her only one or two times in passing.