She is all of 17 years old, but Indian amateur golfer Aditi Ashok has already entered the record books. This week, the Bangalorean became the first Indian ever to clinch a Qualifying School golf event on any International Tour when she grabbed the Ladies European Tour’s Lalla Aicha Tour School title in Morocco.
This also made Ashok the youngest player to claim the honour.
This triumph gives her full playing rights for 2016, and makes her the sole Indian flying the Tricolour on the Ladies European Tour (LET). She thus emulates the feat of fellow Bangalorean Sharmila Nicollet, who has played on the LET before but failed to secure her card this year.
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Ashok’s five round total of 23-under-par 337 fetched her a comprehensive three-stroke victory over Daisy Nielsen of Denmark. Overnight leader Karolin Lampert of Germany had to settle for the third place with two strokes further behind.
In a tough competitive field comprising players from 35 different countries, Ashok posted scores of 68, 69, 62, 68 and 70 over the Samanah and Amelkis courses in Marrakech, Morocco.
Most impressive was her score of 62 in the third round which set a new women’s course record.
The teenage Indian prodigy, who started playing the sport when she was five-and-a-half years old, is yet to even appear for her final high school examinations.
Inspired by golfing greats Gwladys Nocera and Lauren Davies and watching them play at the 2007 EMAAR-MGF Ladies Masters from home, Ashok will now see her dream of becoming a professional come to fruition.
“I’ve always wanted to be a professional because I just love playing golf. It’s been my dream ever since I was a kid so it’s great to make the first step in getting there. I’m really happy.
“It’s an amazing feeling because I came into the tournament obviously wanting to give myself a chance to win but also just wanting to play consistent enough to get a card. Winning it and getting a card is just that much better,” said Ashok.
Aditi’s achievement also prompted congratulatory messages from the Indian Golf Union President, Anil Seolekar.
“It is a matter of great pride for Indian golf and the Indian Golf Union that Aditi has come out with flying colours. Aditi is the perfect example of IGU’s policy of sending talented youngsters for international exposure,” said Seolekar.
Aditi Ashok has been having a tremendous season in 2015 and showed ample glimpses of her precocious talent. Her exploits included wins at the prestigious St Rule Trophy and Ladies British Amateur Open Stroke Play Championship.
The 17-year-old, who has played at the 2014 Asian Games, now aims to represent her country at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
