Aditi Ashok Places 22nd at US Championship

Aditi Ashok, India’s foremost female golfer, commenced her campaign at the 2024 Professional Golfers’ Association of America Championship with a solid even-par 72, positioning herself 22nd, four strokes behind the leader. Despite a challenging start with a 3-over front nine at Sahalee Country Club in Washington, Ashok, known for her resilience, rebounded impressively on the back nine, securing consecutive birdies.

Hailing from Bengaluru, 26-year-old Ashok discovered her passion for golf at the age of five at the Karnataka Golf Association. Balancing her academic pursuits at Frank Anthony Public School with intensive training, Ashok quickly ascended through local competitions, clinching her first state-level titles at just 13 years old.

Ashok’s journey to international acclaim accelerated when she earned a scholarship to the IMG Academy in Florida in 2012, a pivotal year that provided her with elite coaching and facilities. Her dedication paid off with a breakthrough in 2016 when she became the first Indian female golfer to break into the top 50 rankings after a strong performance at the LPGA Founders Cup.

Notably, Ashok’s Olympic journey began at Rio in 2016, where she tied for 41st, followed by an impressive tied 4th finish in Tokyo 2020, narrowly missing out on a medal. Beyond the Olympics, she has represented India in various prestigious events, including the Youth Olympic Games in 2014 and the Espirito Santo Trophy.

In the current PGA Championship, Ashok’s comeback on the back nine underscored her competitive spirit and skill, reflecting her status as a rising star in global golf. Her achievements continue to inspire a new generation of Indian golfers, marking her as a trailblazer in the sport both nationally and internationally.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She The People.