Aditty' of gold

She’s on a collection ‘drive’ of medals —  and the best kinds. Breaking down barriers and setting new records has become second nature for Bengaluru golfer and lissome lass Aditi Ashok. Ashok just won a second straight Ladies European Tour title, taking the Qatar Ladies Open by three shots over Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall. And this is after she won the Hero Women’s Indian Trophy just recently.

Yet, the teenager never fails to leave her fans and admirers awestruck with her list of achievements. Having made golf her motto, the 18-year-old literally eats, breathes and sleeps golf. True to the meaning of her name, which means ‘boundless’, there’s no stopping this golfer.

Starting her tryst with the course at an early age of five, the golfer has been dogged in her pursuit of golf. Beginning her journey at the Bangalore Golf Club, Aditi fell in love with the course, turning her passion into her profession, as she never looked back, walking away with her first title at the age of nine.

While her achievements and lists of firsts are countless, Aditi’s first year as a professional has seen her make a mark not only in the country but the entire world. After turning pro in January, the golfer notched up several top 10 finishes before walking away with the Hero Women’s Indian Open trophy. Not only did she pick up the coveted trophy in her first year as a professional, she also went down in the history books as the first Indian woman to win a Ladies European Tour title!   

Elated at picking up the trophy in front of the home crowd, a relieved Aditi couldn’t hide her excitement as she opened up about her first win. “It feels really good to finally lay my hands on the trophy. With so many close finishes this year, I felt like I was close to winning and it was just around the corner. What makes it more special is that when the win finally did come, it was in front of my home crowd. Am glad to have won the title at home,” Aditi says.

Aditi, who put women’s golf on the map with her powerful show at the Rio Olympics, has had back-to-back top 10 finishes, and her latest at the Qatar Ladies Open, clinches a slew of highs. With the wins, the pro has been propelled to the top spot for the rookie of the year. “It was my goal to win a tournament in my first year and I have achieved that. So am very satisfied with my game. The win is very special, especially since I’m the first woman from the country to do it.”

Having finished her schooling from Frank Anthony Public School this year, the golfer has shifted all her time and focus to the game. “My day starts and ends with golf. If I’m not at the course practicing or working on my technique, I am sitting and working on ways to improve my game in the evenings. My life revolves around the game. With all the travelling that I do, it keeps me busy and focussed and I have no regrets whatsoever,” said the local pro, who did this interview before the Qatar Ladies Open.

Having added another feather in her cap, Aditi is set for her next milestone. “My next target is to qualify for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (in December), which is considered to be the toughest tour. I am playing the final stage of the LPGA Q School and hope to take my game further. My full concentration is to better my game and achieve the next level,” added the youngster, who enjoys watching movies and listening to music, but not as much as she loves the game!