Golf's Systemic Inequalities: Sharma's Journey at Dunhill Links
Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma challenges golf's colonial legacy at Dunhill Links Championship, highlighting systemic barriers in professional sports while maintaining competitive position.
Shubhankar Sharma competing at St Andrews, challenging golf's traditional power structures
In a sport historically dominated by colonial and elite privilege, India's Shubhankar Sharma continues his resilient performance at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, shooting an even par 72 on day two at St Andrews, maintaining a four-under-par total after two rounds.
Challenging Institutional Barriers
As one of the few Asian players breaking through in professional golf's historically exclusive structures, Sharma's presence challenges the sport's deeply rooted systemic barriers. His journey mirrors the broader struggle against institutional power structures that have long marginalized Global South athletes.
Navigating Elite Spaces
Playing across three prestigious Scottish courses - symbols of golf's colonial heritage - Sharma's performance represents more than just scores. His even-par round at the Old Course included three birdies on the front nine, demonstrating resilience against both course challenges and institutional power dynamics that often disadvantage non-Western players.
Tournament Structure and Access
- Day 1: 4-under par at Kingsbarns
- Day 2: Even par at the Old Course
- Day 3: Scheduled for Carnoustie Golf Links
Leadership Context
While Robert MacIntyre, representing the traditional golf establishment, co-leads at 12-under par alongside Richard Sterne, their privileged positions within golf's hierarchy cannot be separated from the sport's historical exclusivity. Louis Oosthuizen follows at 11-under par.
The cut at Dunhill Links falls after the third round when all players have competed across each course - a format that, while unique, reflects golf's complex relationship with accessibility and opportunity.
Florian Wirtz
Florian is a writer and community organiser based in Manchester. Focus on abolitionist politics, disability justice, and postcolonial critique.