Melbourne, Nov 20 (IANS): Golfer Siddikur Rahman will remember his 29th birthday for a long time.

The Asian Tour star will enjoy the honour of becoming the first Bangladeshi to tee up at the World Cup of Golf which starts Thursday and he intends to enjoy the walk at Royal Melbourne Golf Club with a strong showing.

“It’s nice to be in my first World Cup on my 29th birthday today. I’m really excited and glad to play the tournament. I’m proud with what I have achieved. It’s good for me and good for golf in Bangladesh,” said Siddikur.

Two weeks ago, he won the Indian Open for his second Asian Tour title which will ensure he finishes in top-10 of the Order of Merit for the third time in the last four years, an impressive feat for a player who hails from a nation with little golfing culture.

Siddikur hopes his ride at the World Cup, offering $7 million in individual category and $1 million in team category, will accelerate the growth of golf in his country.

“In the past, some people may not follow golf but now, more and more people are following especially when I have managed to play well. They are now cheering me on which is quite inspiring,” said Siddikur.

“Since I’m doing well now on the Asian Tour, golf is now becoming more popular in Bangladesh. Many young potential players are coming through. The government is also thinking about golf and taking more initiatives to support the game.”

With his confidence high following his Indian Open victory, Siddikur knows he must master the tricky greens at Royal Melbourne to mount a title charge.

“These kind of greens, it’s my first experience playing on them. I played really good (at the Australian Masters last week here) but it took me a long time to learn about them. I just need to putt better. I hope if I can putt well, I can be amongst the leaders this weekend with some good scores. The key will be to manage my game well on the greens.”