Vani Kapoor shines in adversity

Feature by Anand Datla

November 1, 2014: The true test of a person’s character is best mirrored in their reaction to adversity. Vani Kapoor was subject to one such test this past week at the Jaypee Greens. The young lady may only be twenty, but she showed good balance and great spirit when put through the fire in the second round of the Jaypee Greens in Noida.

Vani was midway through her second round when she saw her ball dissolve into a water hazard. Vani took the penalty and dropped the ball alongside the hazard. Unfortunately though, the ball started to roll off again toward the hazard, when her hasty caddie reached out on instinct and stopped the ball. The player is responsible for her caddie’s act and that lead to Vani’s disqualification from the event.

Rule 1-2 states –

• Deliberately influencing the position or the movement of a ball (Rule 1-2).
• Deliberately deflecting or stopping a ball (Rule 1-2).

But young Vani reacted with a degree of self assurance and calm, that betrayed her age and experience. The Delhi golfer comforted her caddie, understanding that it was an error based on good instinct.

Vani did not stop there – she stayed on the course for the final round, working the bag for her competitor Saaniya Sharma. The leading woman this season has a long ride ahead and if this incident was an indicator, we can rest assured that women’s golf in India has a great custodian in Kapoor for many years to come.

Vani has already won six titles this season. As she departs for China she will hope for a good week there even as she rubs shoulders with the international stars there.