Nov 9, 2016: Perseverance has a name in Indian women’s golf – Smriti Mehra. Well into her third decade as a professional golfer she has been the face of Indian women’s golf for as long as most people can remember. The 44 year old is an inspiration to not one but two generations of Indian women and her exploits this week will help add colour to the Hero Women’s Indian Open.
As the tenth edition comes to life on Friday, Smriti will once again tee off, wanting to show yet again that she can mix it up with the younger generation.
Smriti was the first and only Indian to have qualified for the LPGA in the USA when she did that through the Q School route in 2006.
Simi, as she is called fondly, played on the LPGA in 1997 and 1998 with two top ten finishes to show for it. She set an incredibly high standard for herself.
Smriti Mehra is incredibly fit even at 44 and is one of the few women to have dreamt of a bright future for women’s golf in India. She started the WGAI in 2006 after spending several years on the international circuit and living overseas.
Smriti Mehra’s commitment to the game has been a phenomenal influence in shaping the current state of women’s golf in India. She ran the WGAI for five years before resigning from her role in 2011.
Smriti Mehra has been fighting stereotypes all her life. She is a strong woman with a soft inside, as was revealed when she took time off in 2014 when she lost her father to time.
“I fought for everything,” Mehra told Bret Lasky of the LPGA. “When I turned professional, my mom said that if I turn pro I have to win everything that I play so I won 25 events as an amateur. I had an excellent amateur career because I had to.
“My game is exactly where it needs to be,” added Simi. “My equipment is a bit of an issue because in India we don’t get anything at all. Ann Cain (Titleist) has been my supporter my entire career and Titleist have been phenomenal. I’ve ordered some new equipment and once it comes in, my confidence level will go up because I am still struggling with these irons. I should be good to go soon.”
Irrespective of who you might support this week, it will be a warm sight to see Smriti Mehra do well at the DLF Golf and Country Club.
