No matter how crazy a cricket fan you are, or how frenzied football makes you, the dignity and style associated with golf has never failed to impress.
Bengaluru’s talented young golfers like Aditi Ashok, Trishul Chinappa, Khalin Joshi and Shruthi Shenoy are creating waves in the golfing arena.
Shruthi Shenoy, 12, played at an international championship
Shruthi’s tryst with the game began with a plastic golf set. She became so enamoured that her father bought her a real one. Suffering a fracture early on, she was determined to improve her skills. She practices all week, after school and never misses a session.
“I played at the World Championships in Indonesia two months ago. It was fantastic meeting players and learning from them. My best moment was when I beat a senior player by just one shot.”
Khalin Joshi, 17, Bronze medallist, Nomura Cup
At just four, Khalin watched his uncle play golf and decided to become a professional golfer. This 17-year-old plays every week at various tournaments, corporate competitions and club events, and has become a force to reckon with among junior golfers.
He has won many international championships in Bangladesh, Malaysia and Philippines, but his most memorable win was in Philippines when his team bagged a bronze for India, “I can play for hours on end without feeling tired because I love this game. I will pursue golf professionally.”
Trishul Chinappa, 17, Gold medallist, Asian Junior Championship
Coorg boy Trishul Chinappa’s love for golf began at the age of three. He would try to hold a heavy golf stick and often stumble! At the age of 11, he played his first junior tournament and there has been no looking back. This 17-year-old Jain college student feels the mantra to good golf is fitness.
“You need tremendous amounts of mental stability and physical strength. I indulge in a three-way intake of proteins, carbohydrates and fat to fire up my metabolism.”
Trishul’s proudest moment was when he and his team won the gold medal for India at the Asian Junior Team Championship in Malaysia. He says, “My biggest inspiration is my father, my teammates Chikka and Khalin, and my love for the game.”
Aditi Ashok, 13, youngest golf pro in Bengaluru
“I know I’m as good as other players, so I am unfazed being the youngest. This time, I played under power consistently and it was a wonderful feeling to defeat experienced golfers.”
A student of Frank Anthony Public School, Aditi has a strong support system in her teachers, friends and parents. She has travelled to USA, France, Scotland and Thailand but feels she performed her best in USA and France.
“The beauty of golf is that it is an honest game. You are completely on your own and your dedication shows.”
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / by Sindhuja Balaji / Tabloid / DC/ Bangalore/ September 05th, 2011
