Aditi Ashok is a rising star in the game of women’s golf. At 14, she played well in the Indian Women’s Open and started turning heads. At 17, she won Ladies European Tour (LET) qualifying school. At 18, she realized a dream of representing her country in the Olympics. Now, she starts the process of trying to fulfill her ultimate dream, a spot on the LPGA.
Ashok, 18, posted back-to-back 68’s in the first two rounds of the Olympics and was in serious contention to hoist a medal as the youngest player in the field. She didn’t have the weekend she hoped, but is encouraged by her performance in Rio.
“Playing in Rio was my goal since 2012 (she was 14) and I made it happen so I was really excited,” said Ashok, who is mature beyond her years. “I had a great experience and I was top 10 after two days. I wish I carried on that form, but it was a great week and I’m sure the experience will help me in future tournaments.”
Ashok didn’t have a lot of time to explore Rio or take in the Olympics, but she did stay in the Olympic Village. She arrived the day before the practice round and left on Sunday to head to Palm Springs.
“I think the coolest part was being amongst all the great athletes,” said Ashok. “At the course, I got to spend time with Annika (Sorenstam) and Gary Player. Being a part of the biggest sporting event in the world is just great.”
Ashok has received a lot of acclaim back in India for competing in the Olympics. She hopes to inspire more in India to pick up the sport. She even said that famous Bollywood stars and cricket broadcasters have reached out through social media.
“I hope with my play, I can inspire youngsters to take up in the game in India,” said Ashok. “We need that for golf in India.”
Ashok hopes to carry the Indian flag all the way to the LPGA. She first became a fan of the game by watching Sorenstam win the 2005 Kraft Nabisco (now ANA Inspiration). Ashok stopped at Poppie’s Pond today during her practice round and took pictures by the Dinah Shore sculpture. Ashok said Sorenstam’s dominance and consistency attracted her to the Swede as a kid.
“I really liked her golf swing too, it was really crisp and nice,” said Ashok. “I always wanted to emulate Annika. For awhile, I also really liked Tiger Woods. When I was younger, I also liked Rory (McIlroy) quite a bit.”
“Ever since I started playing golf, I wanted to play on the LPGA,” said Ashok. “I’m here and I have a chance to do it so I’m really looking forward to Q-School.”
The week didn’t get off to a great start as her clubs didn’t arrive from Rio until Tuesday morning. She actually had to play a practice round on the Gary Player course with a rental set. Based on her credentials, her week will likely end much better.
“Every step from now on will be one closer to my goal of playing on the LPGA against the best in the world,” said Ashok. “The goal this week is to get to stage II and I’m going to do all I can.”
If she advances through all three stages, there is a chance she’ll be back in Palm Springs for the ANA Inspiration and maybe a glorious leap.
“It is just amazing to be getting a chance to play on this golf course,” said Ashok. “I hope I get to play in the major here and maybe jump in the pond one day."
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