Aditi qualifies for British Open

London, July 26 

Indian golfer Aditi Ashok, who turned professional barely six months ago, added a big feather to her cap as she carded a sensational nine-under 66 in the 18-hole Women’s British Open Final Qualifying at John O’Gaunt here.

She finished three shots ahead of Spain’s Marta Sanz and Annie Park of United States.

The Women’s British Open is to be played from July 28 to 31 at Woburn Golf and Country Club.

The Indian played solidly on the par-fives with three birdies and an eagle. Her qualification for the British Open also gives her great preparation before the Olympics.

Aditi becomes only the second Indian after Simi Mehra to play the Women’s British Open and it will be huge step for the young golfer from Bengaluru.

“This is going to be my first Major so I’m really looking forward to it,” said the 18-year-old Aditi.

In fact, Aditi bogeyed her first hole and was one-over after four holes. She then made eight birdies and an eagle in the next 14 holes.

“It took me a couple of holes to settle,” admitted Aditi, who won last year’s St Rule Trophy and Ladies’ British Amateur Stroke Play Championship. She turned professional after winning the Ladies European Tour Lalla Aicha Qualifying School in Morocco.

“I started with a bogey because I hooked my tee shot and missed a 10-footer for par. I also hooked my tee shot on the third hole but I made the par putt after chipping on from 100 yards. After that I made birdies on the fifth, sixth and seventh. Holes five and six were reachable par 5s and I made a chip and putt on both so that gave me my rhythm back. I holed a 15-footer on the seventh,” Aditi said.

“After that I made birdies on the 12th and 13th. I holed a 30-footer on 12th. Hole 13 was another reachable par 5 so I made chip and putt for birdie. I made eagle on the par-5 and birdie on the par-3 16th. I sank a 20-footer from off the green to birdie the par-5 17th. I finished by making a 20-footer on the par-4 18th.”

One of the best rounds of the day came from England’s Bronte Law who used a combination of old and borrowed clubs to card a five-under 70 and share fourth place with American duo Amelia Lewis and Cydney Clanton. — PTI