August 30, 2016: Indian teenager Aditi Ashok is a sensational golfer, busy creating a new paradigm for the game in India. Aditi travelled to Rancho Mirage, California straight from Rio de Janeiro to pursue a card on the LPGA Tour. The 18 year old impressed the world by contending for honours through the first two rounds of the Olympics. In the LPGA Symetra Tour Qualifying School Stage I event, Aditi finished in T20 to progress to the next stage to be played in October.
The precociously talented girl from Bengaluru travels the world with her parents, impressing experts in Europe and the USA with her effortless integration into the two largest tours on the planet. Aditi’s father, Pandit Gudlamani Ashok carries her bag and counsels her on the course. The young girl is coached by Steven Giuliano, an Aimpoint expert with a leadership role in Asia.
“My coaches Steven Giuliano and Nicolas Cabaret have worked very hard along with me and I’m grateful to them. We have worked hard for a few years to make it to the Olympics and we’re looking forward to rest of the season too,” said Aditi in an interview with Mint.
“My parents have also helped me immensely with planning and have encouraged me a lot. I wouldn’t have made it without their support,” said a grateful Aditi.
“I really enjoyed playing in the Rio 2016 Olympics. I started well but wish I could have done better on the last couple days but the experience of playing with some of the best in world was invaluable for me,” added Aditi. “I hope my game helped grow golf in India and inspired more juniors to take up the sport.”
Aditi also got to meet some of her heroes. “I got to meet Annika Sorenstam Gary Player, Se Ri Pak and chat with them a bit so that was great. I also stayed at the Olympic village and got to meet other athletes and learn about their experiences and so it was a lot of fun.”
