A rejuvenated Sara Kjellker is drawing on “happy memories” at this week’s Hero Women’s Indian Open as she looks to rekindle the form which saw her finish runner-up at last year’s edition.
The Swede experienced a purple patch at this stage of the season in 2023 as she recorded four top-five finishes in six events culminating in placing second to Aline Krauter at DLF Golf & Country Club.
Having not hit the same heights in 2024, Kjellker has now reunited with her caddie from that period, Joseph, as she looks to bring positive vibes and confidence back into her game.
She said: “It’s very nice to be back and I’m also very happy to be back with Joe [my caddie]. He gives me good, positive vibes. Joe is the happiest guy ever and I think we’re a great team. He’s very positive and he makes me feel very calm and comfortable. Honestly, I think that’s all I need.
“Last year I was coming in during a pretty good stretch and I think this course suited me at the time because I was hitting it very straight. I’ve been working hard to get myself back to that point.”
Kjellker currently sits on the bubble in the Order of Merit in 76th position. With three events left on the 2024 schedule, she knows all too well the importance of putting in another clutch performance in India.
“It’s been a bad year,” the 26-year-old said candidly. “I don’t want to look too much at the rankings but I do think I need two really good weeks. I’m just trying to take it round by round. I think this year has been hard, for a few different reasons. I’ve had a few things going on in my private life and I’ve lost some confidence.
“When you lose confidence you lose everything. But I feel like I’m swinging it well so I’m just trying to get that momentum back. Which I think I will this week.”
Last year Kjellker embraced the Indian culture visiting several attractions and going for food with local star Vani Kapoor. The Swede is keen to enjoy herself once again this week prior to taking care of business on the course.
“We’re definitely going to go out,” she said. “I love India. We’ll definitely go out and have some street food. I love Indian food and I have my uncle here with me this week who is the biggest Indian food fan in the world.
“The course is playing different. Way firmer. But last year was last year. I like the course. It gives me happy memories and confidence.”
The 2024 Hero Women’s Indian Open gets under way on Thursday 24 October at DLF Golf and Country Club.
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