Liz Young Wins Hero Women's Indian Open in Dramatic Finish

Liz Young Wins Hero Women’s Indian Open in Dramatic Finish

Liz Young, a 42-year-old English golfer, triumphed at the 16th edition of the $400,000 Hero Women’s Indian Open, held at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram. Young’s victory marks the second time an English player has won the event, following Laura Davies’ triumph in 2010.

Young’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. She started the tournament in 17th place, but gradually climbed the leaderboard, finishing third on Saturday. On the final day, she shared the lead with Manon De Roey of Belgium after a birdie on the 15th hole.

However, the drama unfolded on the par-5 18th hole. Young’s third shot found the water, but she calmly hit a wedge from the drop zone and holed the putt for a bogey. De Roey, who needed a par to force a playoff, overhit her chip and finished with a bogey, handing Young the victory.

Young’s winning total of 2-under par 286 is the highest since 2007, highlighting the difficulty of the DLF course. “Making pars is as important as birdies on such a course,” said Young. “I don’t think I made bogeys on bad shots. It’s that kind of a course.”

Among the Indian players, amateur Mannat Brar finished as the highest-placed Indian at T11, while Pranavi Urs and Hitaashee Bakshi tied for 15th. Diksha Dagar finished T38 after a disappointing third round.

The tournament also raised questions about the difficulty of the DLF course. Only five players finished with a sub-par aggregate, and the cut was applied at 10-over, unprecedented in the tournament’s history. “This course has always played tough,” said tournament director Joao Pinto. “We’ve been watering the course every morning, but the course’s character is to play tough.”

Diksha Dagar Leads Indian Charge at Hero Women's Indian Open

Diksha Dagar Leads Indian Charge at Hero Women’s Indian Open

Diksha Dagar, India’s top-ranked player on the Ladies European Tour (LET), will lead the home charge at the $400,000 Hero Women’s Indian Open, which tees off at the DLF Golf and Country Club on Thursday. Dagar, currently 22nd on the Order of Merit list, finished third in this event last year and will be eager to improve on that performance.

Switzerland’s Chiara Tamburlini, the LET OOM leader with three wins this season, is the favorite to win the tournament. Other contenders include Belgium’s Manon De Roey, second in the OOM standings, England’s Alice Hewson and Amy Taylor, Perrine Delacour of France, and Shannon Tan of Singapore.

A total of 114 players will compete in the tournament, including 26 Indians. Among the other Indians to watch are Tvesa Malik, who won her first international title in South Africa this year, and the talented 19-year-old Hitaashee Bakshi, who leads the Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI) OOM.

The course is expected to play firm and fast, which will test the players’ skills. “It’s always a tough course to play,” said Dagar. “The secret is to take one shot at a time. On courses like these, tee and approach shots become very important.”

The deep-faced bunkers, undulating and narrow fairways, water hazards, and sharp bends approaching several greens will require the players to make smart choices and hit accurate shots. “Short game, especially putting, is going to be tough,” said Dagar. “You have to be good at course management. You should know where to place the ball. You don’t want to end up on the wrong side here. This is a course that challenges all aspects of your game.”

Dagar, who missed the cut in her last event in Taiwan, is determined to bounce back in front of her home crowd. “The conditions in Taiwan were very different,” she said. “It was quite windy, which meant we were not getting the desired distances. Here, it will be difficult to control the putts because the greens are so fast.”

Despite the challenges, Dagar is confident that she can contend for the title. “I’m feeling good about my game,” she said. “I’ve been working hard on my fitness and strength, and I’m starting to see the results. I’m excited to play in front of my home crowd and I’m hoping to make them proud.”

Hero Women's Indian Open Returns with Star-Studded Field

Hero Women’s Indian Open Returns with Star-Studded Field

The Hero Women’s Indian Open, India’s premier women’s golf tournament, is set to return for its 16th edition from October 24 to 27, 2024, at the DLF Golf and Country Club. This year’s tournament promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring seven winners from the current Ladies European Tour (LET) season and other top international players.

With a prize pool of US$ 400,000, the tournament has attracted a strong field of competitors, including three former champions: Christine Wolf (2019), Camille Chevalier (2017), and Caroline Hedwall (2011). Winners from the 2023 and 2024 LET seasons are also expected to participate, along with India’s top players.

The Hero Women’s Indian Open has been a launchpad for many champions, several of whom have gone on to achieve success on the LPGA Tour. Past winners include legendary names such as Laura Davies and Yani Tseng, who won the inaugural event in 2007 and later became World No. 1.

In recent years, Indian players have made significant strides in the tournament. Aditi Ashok became the first Indian to win the event in 2016, while Amandeep Drall and Diksha Dagar have both finished in the top three in recent editions.

This year’s tournament will feature a talented trio from England: Annabel Dimmock, Alice Hewson, and Amy Taylor. Other notable players include Perrine Delacour from France, Manon De Roey from Belgium, Chiara Tamburlini from Switzerland, and Shannon Tan from Singapore.

The Hero Women’s Indian Open has been held at the DLF Golf and Country Club for 14 of its 16 editions. The iconic Gary Player-designed course has also hosted the Hero Indian Open for men and a domestic women’s pro event.

Players from 11 different countries have won the Hero Women’s Indian Open title, with Thailand standing out with four victories. Pornanong Phatlum holds the record for the most wins, with three victories in 2008, 2009, and 2012.

Aditi Ashok: Golfing Prodigy with Unwavering Parental Support

Aditi Ashok: Golfing Prodigy with Unwavering Parental Support

Aditi Ashok, India’s golfing prodigy, has carved a remarkable path in the sport, with her parents serving as her unwavering support system. Her journey began at the tender age of five, when a visit to a restaurant overlooking a golf range ignited her passion. Encouraged by her father, Ashok Gudlamani, and mother, Mash, Aditi quickly embraced the game.

Ashok’s father has played a pivotal role in her development, serving as her caddie during the Rio 2016 Olympics. In Tokyo 2020, her mother took over the caddie duties, guiding Aditi to a near-podium finish, where she narrowly missed out on a medal. The duo has alternated as caddies, with her father set to resume the role at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“Tokyo 2020 was an incredible experience, and having my mom caddie for me was a lot of fun,” Ashok said in an interview. “My dad and I tend to have more discussions about shot selection, as he knows my game well. My mom doesn’t assist as much with decision-making, but that helps me become more decisive and composed on the course.”

Aditi’s golfing achievements are a testament to her talent and dedication. She holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman golfer to participate in major multi-sport events, including the Asian Youth Games, Youth Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Olympic Games. Her career took off when she became the youngest Indian to win the Lalla Aicha Tour School title, securing her a spot on the Ladies European Tour in 2016. That same year, she made history by becoming the first Indian to win a Ladies European Tour title and later, the first Indian to compete on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour.

Despite missing out on an Olympic medal in 2020, Aditi remains focused on her goals. She continues to play on both the US LPGA and Ladies European Tours, with her parents alternating as her caddies. “I always give my best and move on to the next event,” she said. “I keep doing the same week after week.”

Aditi’s ability to focus on the process rather than outcomes has been a key to her success. She believes in the power of perseverance and continuous improvement. With her parents by her side, she is determined to make history at the Paris 2024 Olympics and bring glory to India.

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