Sharma accepts invitation to Masters

India’s Shubhankar Sharma, 21, has taken an invitation to the 2018 Masters following an outstanding six months on the European Tour.

The youngster, who led going into the fourth round in his first co-sanctioned Tour event at the WGC-Mexico Championship last week, rose from relative obscurity to win the Joburg Open in December and the Maybank Championship in February.

Sharma becomes just the fourth Indian player to compete in the first major of the year, following Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal and Anirban Lahiri.

"Golf is a global game, and throughout our history we have extended invitations to deserving international players not otherwise qualified," said chairman of Augusta National Golf Club Fred Ridley.

"As his results have proven, Shubhankar Sharma is a remarkable young player, and we look forward to welcoming him to Augusta National in April."

I am deeply honoured to be found worthy of invitation by the Masters Committee. It's a dream come true. My gratitude. https://t.co/0tRWIANFWG

— Shubhankar Sharma (@shubhankargolf) March 6, 2018

Well done @shubhankargolf for receiving your @TheMasters invitation. Well deserved!!

— Jeev Milkha Singh (@JeevMilkhaSingh) March 6, 2018