An exclusive interview by Anand Datla
July 27, 2015: There is a fresh bloom in Indian golf and the garden is brimming with the fragrance of promise. Aadil Bedi is a bud among flowers, waiting to bloom and carry Indian golf to a newer realm. The IX class student from Chandigarh stands tall at 6 feet and his eyes are set on breaking new ground for Indian golf. At 14, he still has a long way to go before breaking through the ranks.
In this exclusive interview, Golfing Indian caught up with the child’s father, Harinder Bedi. The senior Bedi has spent years helping the young golfer hone his skills, playing a major role in the development of his son.
At the recently concluded World Junior Masters in Las Vegas, Aadil finished 7th with scores of 72, 73 and 72 including an impressive thirteen birdies and an eagle. Playing in the 13-15 year category, Aadil missed out on honours, but played impressively enough to secure a spot with the University of California. The college will wait for the arrival of Aadil, who will pursue graduate studies in sports psychology three years from now.
How has Aadil been playing this season? Can you summarize the first half for us?
Aadil has already shown some good scores in the build up IGU matches just before the world cup at USA. With the help of 13 birdies at Eagleton Golf Resort, Bangalore, Aadil stunned his rivals with an impressive eight shot victory.
Not only did he win the B category (13-15 years), he also finished 2nd Runner up in AB (under 18 years). With an opening score of 3 under he finished 69, 74, 77 and 72. Playing back to back matches he jolted his rivals again at the Hyderabad Golf course with a lead of 9 shots including an eagle and 10 birdies. He has also enjoyed 2nd runner up positions at the Northern India Championships on the Army Golf Course, New Delhi and the Haryana Junior Golf championship at Golden Greens Gurgaon.
When did you first recognize the talent in your child?
Aadil was merely 3 years old when he picked up a golf club. I was a passionate golfer and he used to walk with me through 18 holes. Soon he insisted that he wanted to play. When Aadil was 5, he used to hit his drives straight as an arrow. This was rare in golf. That motivated us to provide him proper golf coaching with CGA Director Mr Jesse Grewal.
What is a typical day like for Aadil on and off the golf course?
He goes to school 4 days a week. He plays golf 4 days a week. Everyday in the evening, he alternates between physical training at CGA with Mr. Sagar Dewan and Athletic training with Dr Gurmeet Singh, former Director Sports at Punjab University, Chandigarh. His Golf coach Mr. Jesse Grewal imparts lessons on a weekly basis. Course management on week end is an ongoing and continuous process with Golf Pro Gursimran Singh Sethi at the Forest Hills Resort in Mohali.
Off the golf course Aadil likes to swim, play the Guitar and do some mental jugglery with chess. He is an active member of the school soccer and badminton teams. He is also an active member of movie club in the city.
Education is an important part of a child’s development. How are you striking a balance for Aadil considering the unique needs of a golfing child?
Golf is dad’s arena and academics are Mom’s field says Aadil. His mom collects school work and notes down all his home work when Aadil is away on tournaments. He scored 86 % in class 8, suggesting that he is a fairly bright student. He is learning international languages like French and German at school. At home he is a keen student of golf history.
No one knows Aadil better than you do. What kind of changes have you seen in Aadil during the past few years – both as a boy and a golfer?
As Aadil turned a teenager, he has become very focused. He has made up his mind to be a golfer of reckoning and is working consistently in that direction. He has become conscious about his diet and fitness and is eating wisely and healthily.
He has started dressing smartly on and off the golf course. His coach says that he is more alert and active now. As a golfer, he has started making his notes on the golf course himself. Although he is very quiet on the golf course, he does have an aggressive game.
Can you talk about the coaching set up around Aadil?
Aadil has a team of coaches to train and supervise him. His Golf Coach is Mr Jesse Grewal, Director NGAI Academy, CGA, Chandigarh. His Psychological Coach is Mr Gursimran Singh Sethi, who works on his Routine, course planning and Mental aspect of the game at Forest Hill Golf Resort.
His Fitness Coach Mr Sagar Diwan at CGA Golf Range works indoor on fitness building core strength, flexibility and endurance. His Athletics Coach is Dr. Gurmeet Singh, who works on Athletics, Kinesthetic senses, motor qualities and speed training. We supervise his diet and training schedules.
What do you think is needed to ensure that Aadil can realise all his potential and turn into a good professional golfer in the future?
As of now Aadil’s golf and fitness training is in India. He has been fortunate to be offered admission for graduation studies by University of California in San Diego. We just got confirmation from them.
We will ensure higher education and training from USA after 3 years. As of now, he is competing at the highest level for his categories and beyond. Before turning professional, we want to have him play the Amateur Circuit in USA.
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- aadil bedi
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