Aditi Ashok is an Indian professional golfer from Bengaluru, Karnataka. She is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of women's professional golf in India and has represented the country at multiple Olympic Games. She competes regularly on the Ladies European Tour (LET) and the LPGA Tour.
Key facts
| Full name | Aditi Ashok |
|---|---|
| Born | 29 March 1998, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Sport | Golf |
| Turned professional | 2016 |
| Tours | Ladies European Tour, LPGA Tour |
Background
Aditi was introduced to golf at the age of five at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) in Bengaluru. She showed early aptitude for the sport and went on to compete in junior tournaments across India and abroad while still in her teens. Her father, Ashok Gudlamani, has frequently served as her caddie on tour.
Amateur career
As an amateur, Aditi won several junior and amateur titles, including the Indian Women's Amateur and the South African Women's Amateur. In 2015, she became the first Indian to play in the Asia-Pacific Ladies Amateur and was also the first Indian to compete in the Junior Ryder Cup. In the same year, she made her major debut as an amateur at the Evian Championship.
Professional career
Aditi turned professional in 2016. She earned her Ladies European Tour card after a strong showing at the LET Qualifying School and quickly made an impact on the international circuit.
- 2016 Hero Women's Indian Open: Became the first Indian to win on the Ladies European Tour, claiming the title on home soil at the DLF Golf and Country Club, Gurugram.
- 2016 Qatar Ladies Open: Won her second LET title, becoming the youngest winner on the Ladies European Tour at the time.
- LET Rookie of the Year (2016): Named the Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year.
- LPGA Tour: Earned her LPGA Tour card and has competed in major championships including the ANA Inspiration, US Women's Open, Women's PGA Championship and the Women's British Open.
Olympic Games
Aditi represented India in golf at the 2016 Rio Olympics at the age of 18, becoming the youngest golfer in the field. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021, she finished tied for fourth, narrowly missing a medal after leading at various stages of the competition. Her performance drew widespread attention to women's golf in India. She also represented India at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Awards and recognition
- Arjuna Award (2020), conferred by the Government of India for outstanding achievement in sport.
- Ladies European Tour Rookie of the Year, 2016.
Significance
Aditi Ashok's success has played a significant role in raising the profile of women's golf in India. Her LET victories made her the first Indian to win on the tour, and her near-medal finish at the Tokyo Olympics is regarded as one of India's most memorable Olympic golf performances. She has been credited with inspiring a new generation of Indian golfers, particularly young women taking up the sport.
Related topics
- Golf in India
- Ladies European Tour
- LPGA Tour
- Hero Women's Indian Open
- India at the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Arjuna Award
- Karnataka Golf Association
References
- Wikidata entry: Q25990418
- Ladies European Tour player profile, Aditi Ashok.
- LPGA Tour player profile, Aditi Ashok.
- Indian Golf Union official communications.