In an exclusive interaction with 4moles.com, Aditi  Ashok talks about her uncanny Golf superstition, how her love for the game was decreed more by chance than design, on making Golf accessible in India and more!

 

 

By Priyanka Sen Sarkar

 

 

It’s unusual to find individuals who have risen from oblivion to eminence but have not let proximity to fame go to their heads. With a placid expression permanently etched on her face, India’s Golf sensation Aditi Ashok, whose golfing feats are serenaded by all and sundry, exudes a no-frills demeanour. 

 

A serene firmness rings loud all over as you settle for a quick and exclusive chat with the 19-year-old golfer, who’s often known for her dour resolve.

 

 

 

 

To create a set of records in a game dominated by men is not exactly a cakewalk but Aditi has a bountiful of firsts to her credit. From being the first Indian woman to clinch a LET title to becoming the first Indian golfer to contest all five majors on LPGA Tour in one season, Aditi has done it all and with élan.

 

 

Aditi grabbed headlines when she represented India at the Asian Games and the 2016 Rio Games – thereby becoming the youngest Golfer to tee off at the Olympics in the process. The Golfer has yet another ace up her sleeves.  The 19-year-old prodigy is now the first Indian to qualify for LPGA Tour Championships.

 

 

In an exclusive interaction with 4moles.com, Aditi talks about her uncanny Golf superstition, how her love for the game was decreed more by chance than design, on making Golf accessible in India and more!

 

 

‘Yes, I have a wacky superstition’

 

 

 

 

The 19-year-old golfer, whose robust game is a visual treat for her fans, comes up an interesting revelation. She is candid to confess that she doesn’t shy away from following superstitions for her game which might seem wacky to many. “I carry only 5 tees whenever I go to play tournaments. Also, I wear only blue or black on the last day of my tournament. I know it might sound silly but it’s just one of those things I love to follow,” shares Aditi with a grin.

 

Now, this is an interesting one!

 

 

‘I was 5 when I fell in love with Golf’

 

 

 

 

Confidence is one thing that Aditi has in oodles. And there’s an unmistakable gleam in her eyes when she talks about how she developed a penchant for the game.

 

And her love for Golf was decreed more by chance than design. “It was during one of our family day trips when I chanced upon a golf course in Bengaluru for the very first time. I immediately fell in love with the sport and even now nothing intrigues me more than Golf. I travelled for tournaments from the age of seven and when I started clinching titles, I and my parents were convinced that this is what I want to do in my life,” enthuses Aditi.

 

 

‘Introduce Golf in schools to make it popular’     

 

 

 

 

In a nation where cricket and cricketers rule the roost, it’s refreshing to see Indian Golfers gain a firm footing, shares the 19-year-old Golf sensation. 

 

She does not mince words when she says a lot of needs be done to make Golf a mass sport. “Golf is not yet accessible in India. Kids generally tend to pick up games that are played in schools. I feel if you want to make the game popular, you need to introduce it at the school level. For example, China has made Golf mandatory in schools in instil upright values in children. I think, even India can follow suit,” says Aditi.

 

 

There’s a lot of untapped talent in India and making Golf more accessible could see a steady stream of players coming through the ranks, feels Aditi. “Now since Golf is an Olympic sport, there’s a need to come up with more driving ranges so that the game reaches out to more people.  Also, Golf, as a whole, is dearer than a lot of other sports.  If we can work towards making the game an affordable one, I am sure we can attract a lot of talent,” quips Aditi. 

 

 

On catapulting Indian Golf to new heights

 

A great fan of Annika Sorenstam, of one of the best female golfers in history, Aditi says it’s nice to be recognised by peers in a very male-dominated terrain. “I'm honoured and humbled at the same time to be appreciated. The love showered on me keeps me going,” says the young Golfer.

 

And how does she handle all the attention and pressure? With a pause, she adds modestly, “The pressure is inevitable. But my aim is to stay focused and keep rolling. I feel as long as I am able to enthuse my younger generation to take up the game, I am happy."

 

The young golfer, who is a tapestry of talent and has catapulted Indian Golf to new heights, hopes to continue to ride the crest of success through her consistent performances.