Aditi Ashok: Need to complete school before turning professional

Aditi Ashok is eager to complete her schooling before making a decision about turning professional

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Aditi Ashok Picture

Interview by Anand Datla

August 01, 2015: Sport can surprise you and it does so several times. But as I started to pursue an interview with Aditi Ashok, the young girl took me beyond surprises, leaving me in shock and awe at her early prowess. The class XII student from Bengaluru overcame a five shot deficit to put several professional competitors into the shadow including an in form Vani Kapoor to win the eleventh leg of the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour.

I have no shame in admitting that I thought, it was the first professional victory of her nascent career. Speaking to me over the telephone, Aditi left me in awe as she spoke about her play off exploits in 2011. Just 13 at the time, she indulged Neha Tripathi in a difficult five hole playoff before losing narrowly on her debut in a professional tournament.

Most impressively though, Aditi won the maiden title of her career by winning a playoff over a battle scarred Smriti Mehra at the Clover Greens course. I have no data to validate this, but Aditi tells us she is the youngest winner of a professional tournament in the world – courtesy her victory over Mehra in 2011.

In this exclusive interview we caught up with this sensational golfer for some insights into her development as a player and probed her about what the future might bring for her. After that brilliant 64 at the KGA, not many can argue that the young girl indeed has a bright and glorious journey on the road ahead.

Aditi, when did you start playing golf? Who introduced you to the game?

I started playing golf at the young age of 5 and half years. I really did not have anyone in particular introduce me to the game. I took to golf with a keen interest after my first visit to the driving range.

Are you able to strike a balance between studies and golf? Tell us about your typical day of school and golf.

My school, “The Frank Anthony Public School, Bangalore” has been very supportive of my golf. They have always encouraged me to work at it, besides allowing me the time needed to play tournaments. The teachers have always helped me catch up with my schoolwork and cared for me in the classroom.

I have school from 8am to 2pm and after that I go to the golf course. I play and practice for about 3-4 hours, then come home and do fitness for an hour or so and then get ready for school the next day. My home club is the Bangalore Golf Club, but I play often at the KGA considering its proximity to my home.

Gurbani Singh won the ninth leg and you added to it by taking the eleventh at the KGA. It must be very encouraging for amateurs to win titles on the WGAI, isn’t it?

Actually this is my second win, I won my first pro title at the age of 13 years and 5 months in 2011. That was the first time an amateur won a title on the WGAI Pro Tour in India. With this win, I also set a new record of becoming the youngest amateur to win a pro title in the world. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that after my win in 2011, the trend of lady amateurs playing WGAI pro tournaments set in. It is definitely encouraging for me and is great for women’s golf in India.

That 64 on Friday in Bengaluru was a massive effort for a young golfer, under tournament conditions. Tell about the special round.

Yes, it was a great round for me and to play so well on the KGA course (Karnataka Golf Association), which I consider one of the toughest courses in the country, means a lot to me. Also under challenging final round conditions, it was fun to play so well and set a new course record of 8 under par.

How satisfying was it to win a tournament just after you needed a 76 in the second round to get past the same course?

I was pleased because of the way I played on the final day. Though I wish I had done better on the first 2 days, I am happy I was able to come from 5 strokes back to win the title by 2 strokes.

When do you plan to turn professional?

I will make a decision after I finish my schooling.

When you are not studying or playing golf, what are the things you like to do?

I like to watch movies, listen to music, read books, paint or do fitness.

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