22 October 2018: It is the season of the young in Indian golf. Shubhankar Sharma heralded a new spring with his exploits this year. And the women showed they were ready to step up to the plate with some stellar performances this past week by Tvesa Malik, Gaurika Bishnoi and Ridhima Dilawari. And now, Aadil Bedi is set to make his professional debut when the Panasonic Open India tees off at the Delhi Golf Club on Thursday.
Aadil will be among a familiar field of golfers, with a rich collection of Indians expected to play this week. Among the over 60 golfers will be the legendary Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa besides senior professionals SSP Chawrasia and Shiv Kapur.
The 17-year-old from Chandigarh has long been groomed for a career in golf. Aadil will bring with him a rich experience from his amateur career and the knowledge that he is ready to play with the best.
Aadil is set to go to the qualifying school event, later on, to try and gain full playing rights on the Asian Tour next season. But after a good run at the Take Solutions Masters in Bengaluru this August, there is no denying the fact that a good showing at the DGC is well within his reach.
On the well regarded KGA course in Bengaluru, Aadil shot par or better in each of the four rounds. With scores of 68-71-69-69, he ended the week at 7-under 277 in T23.
Aadil’s confidence will also be high on the back of a good run at the Asian Games. He was hunting for metal through the first three rounds, before ending the week in T13, after conceding ground in the final round.
“I have decided to turn professional so that I can qualify for the Olympics 2020 and represent my country. PGTI and the Asian Tour have been kind enough to allow me to play a couple of events before Q school which is my next goal to secure a full card for the PGTI and Asian Tour,” said an excited Aadil.
“I am truly grateful for all the support that the Virat Kohli Foundation has given me until now and am looking forward to going to the USA for a one month advance psychology and golf training course in April after my class 12 board exams.”
