Young Aadil Bedi is among the most talented golfers in the country. His steady rise through the ranks underlines his determination to make the most of his potential. The teenager went on a rampage, winning thrice in a row to sweep up to the top of IGU rankings for Category B. The 15 year old Chandigarh boy was also at the head of the rankings in Category D (2011) and Category C (2013)
Golfing Indian caught up with the young golfer, immediately after he won the East India, All India and Albatross International events to help himself to the top ranking in Category B.
Anand Datla: You really got on a good roll, winning three in a row. What is your Secret recipe to being a serial winner?
Aadil Bedi: It has been an exhilarating journey for me. My journey hasn’t always been smooth – I have experienced being on the top of the world, but also at times I have felt very broken. I think practice is key and it makes all the difference to my consistent performances.
So far I have practiced for 8,500 hours and my target is 10,000 hours of golf in the next two years. Junior golf is very competitive. The last 2 matches of the season ended up in playoff at the score of level par after four grinding days.
Golf is also going to be in the Olympics. I would love to be part of the Indian Olympic team, which will be going to Japan in 2020.
I generally maintain a balance between all parts of my game by doing structured practice under the guidance of my father. His knowledge of the game is an advantage for me.
How does it feel to be the top ranked IGU junior golfer in category B?
It feels very nice to see yourself at the top of the rankings on the IGU website. But at the same time it is scary too. As I will be moving to category A next year, I will need to compete with some big boys as well try and play some amateur events.
I also finished 8th in the joint Category AB (under 18 years). This gives me lot of confidence and encouragement to compete in the highest junior category next year.
What are your goals for the next season in 2016?
My goal is to be best possible golfer that I have the capability of becoming. I intend continuing my golf training with my coach Jesse Grewal. I think we can make some improvements with my putting and chipping.
I am still growing too, my muscles are still developing and I am growing taller (Aadil is already a six footer). I have very scientific input from my athletic coach Dr Gurmeet Singh about body growth, psychology of motor qualities, strength, endurance and flexibility.
I also intend to work on my fitness, before I go to the world cup in the USA in July 2016. I finished 7th in World Junior Masters at Las Vegas the last time. I am hopeful that I can try and win the championship next year.
I intend continuing my golf training with my coach Jesse Grewal. I think we can make some improvements with my putting and chipping.
What are your aspirations as a golfer? What are the things that you would like to achieve in your career?
This is a great time for golf as a sport as interest in the game is exploding. My dream is to play The Masters in 2020. And in due course of time I dream about winning it too.
Tell us about your game – areas that you are strong in and others that you need to work on.
The strong part of my game is driving, centre of the fairway. In Most of my rounds, I can shoot level par now. I can hit 90 % fairways and 80 % greens in regulation. This is because I use only 75% of my rhythm.
It gives me stability and accuracy and I can still drive 260-270 yards off the tees. I also learnt how to shape my shots. I was behind the tree in the playoff at the RCGC golf course in Kolkata. I drew a 7 iron about 25 yards from right to left before nailing the pin from 165 yard to win the match.
I am working with my on course coach Gursimran Sethi on a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). I am lacking in my routines, especially on the putting greens. All the best players have a standard routine. I would like to improve a lot on this aspect of the game.
It is a juggle managing school and golf. How do you balance your schedules and what are your expectation from yourself as a student?
My dad looks after my golf, nutrition, tournament, training and fitness. And my mom looks after my school and studies. I have travelled far and wide and have been through ups and down almost like an adult. That has been just as important as schooling for me.
I study at Vivek High School, Chandigarh. The school, my classmates and teachers are very supportive. With so much golf and travel, it is difficulty to always study. But I am very focused during exams and I scored I scored 86 % in my 8th grade exams.
I also have received admission to the University of California in San Diego. They offered me Sports Psychology as a part of my graduation studies. I am also learning foreign languages like French in my School. But Golf is where my future lies.
What are your other interests, besides golf?
I am an active member of my school football team. I also like to swim and know skating as well. I have fiddled with the guitar too.
Playing chess is a favourite activity as it helps me relax. My mom was a national table tennis player, so I play the sport with her besides badminton. I am developing a keen interest in different genres of music and I also like to watch movies.
Good luck Aadil and we shall look forward to continue watching your exploits on the golf course.
