Gauri Monga had the local fans spellbound with the best-ever finish by an Indian individual in the history of Queen Sirikit Cup Golf. In the end, Gauri, despite her stunning 20-foot birdie on the 18th lost out the third place on count back as Korean Ji Hee Kim birdied the 17th and parred the 18th for a 69, while Gauri had a 70. Her performance also helped India finish fourth in team standings, which equaled Indian team’s performance of 1986. But the total score of 442 by the Indian was their best-ever in history.
The 17-year-old is undoubtedly the most phenomenal amateur women golfer present in the Indian circuit today. Monga, who is studying in XI standard from Modern School, Barakhamba has been named the ‘Rolex Ladies Player of The Year’ for the second time. In an interview with Samikshan Dutta Choudhury, she speaks about her career so far and also on some other unknown facts about her. Excerpts:
ISN: You are the most consistent amateur women’s golfer in India. You were also named the Rolex Ladies Player Of The Year. How does it feel?
Gauri Monga: It feels good. I am privileged to win awards of such magnitude and it also keeps you focussed and motivates you to perform better.
ISN: What is the secret behind your consistency?
GM: Oh, it’s just that that I keep myself grounded. I do not let myself get carried away with all the success. And also there are many players coming in every year making the competition more difficult. So, this kind of intense competition keeps me pumped out throughout.
ISN: You had been banned for four months. What was the reason and how has it affected you?
GM: : As amateurs, we are not supposed to have any sponsors. So, I had this company which rather than sponsoring me supported me. But the authorities took it otherwise and I was banned from playing golf. It has not affected me much. I was still the number one when I came out of the ban. And also the ban created a sense of vengeance in me and I started performing better.
ISN: What brought you to golf?
GM: : Golf is in my genes. My mom had been playing the sport for a long time. So, it was she who brought me to the game.
ISN: Who has been your inspiration?
GM: : Tiger Woods. He has been truly phenomenal throughout his character and it’s always a pleasure to watch him.
ISN: If not golf, what would have been your choice of career?
GM: : It would have something related to designing like fashion designing or interior designing.
ISN: You have played alongside the pros also. How does it feel?
GM: : It feels really good. These pros have different overview of the whole game. The way they perceive things and look at them is so difficult. You get to learn a lot of things.
ISN: What are your upcoming plans?
GM: I am planning to join U.S College golf.
ISN: Okay, you are studying in Standard XI. How do you manage?
GM: : Do not ask me ask about it. I have not been in touch with my books since last October. I generally do last minute study.
ISN: Apart from playing golf, what else do you do?
GM: Apart from playing golf, in my free time I listen to music or just talk over the phone. And yes, I also like sleeping. I can like sleep forever.
ISN: Any plans of turning pro in near future?
GM: As of now, I do not have any such plans. I am happy playing amateurs.
ISN: Do you have any superstitions on the course?
GM: Yes. I am a bit superstitious. I wear green on the first day and carry two tees in my pocket.
ISN: What is the status of women’s golf In India?
GM: It is in the developing stages. But the lack of proper sponsors does arrest the development process at certain point of time. We need more sponsors and more people like Siddharth Sriram, to support the cause the women’s golf of India.
