Nurturing a dream of being a world class golfer, this 15-year-old boy from Chandigarh has been working on his game with hard work and dedication since the age of four. Blessed with a lean athletic body, 6’1” tall Aadil Bedi is very passionate about golf and is undergoing a regimented schedule of practice, fitness training and diet.
He wants to compete at the highest level and is willing to put in the extra hours required to make a champion out of an ordinary player. The experience he has gained in the last over 10 years has made him mentally strong and he looks forward to competitions where he can better his previous scores. The bundle of energy that is Aadil, when channelised properly, will be a player to watch out for in the years to come.
Here are the excerpts from the interview:
How did you start golf?
Aadil: I remember my parents were posted at Fatehgarh Sahib when I was 4-year-old. My dad was addicted golfer. I used to come back from school in the evening and accompany my dad for practice golf at CGA, Chandigarh.
When we used to miss practice at CGA, we used to go to Mata Gujri College and put my mom's dupatta as flag in the football ground and practice there. My initial interest in the game was coke and chips but later on when I started playing IGU national golf circuit and fell in love with this game.
How do you feel as a successful junior golfer, being number one in national circuit?
Aadil: I know it is beginning and I have a long way to go. Although with the support of parents, I have played golf almost all over the globe, the challenge and competition is increasing as I am graduating into bigger categories. I have to be live up to the standard to compete at the highest level.
How you strike balance between your study and golf?
Aadil: First of all my school teachers and management is very supportive in giving me leave for the tournaments. My mom looks after my academics and my dad looks after my fitness, diet and golf. We have a law at home ‘no home work, no golf’. We do not have TV at home and when my mom comes back from office in the evening, I spend time with mom to finish my pending works. When I am on active rest from golf, I manage to put in extra hours to my studies. When I am playing tournament with dad, my mom sends assignment through mails, which I complete on golf tour.
Do you feel that golf is growing game in India?
Aadil: Indian Golf Union is putting in a lot of effort to streamline golf at junior level. The corporates are also extending their help to sponsor juniors. The Chandigarh Golf Association headed Mr. CSR Reddy is extending great support to us. I think golf will be the big thing apart from cricket and many youngsters have started starting this game now.
Do you play other sports?
Aadil: I am very active member of my school soccer team. I participate in bhangra classes too. But this is all for fun. My first love was always golf and it will remain so.
What are your life-time goals that you have set for yourself?
Aadil: I use to visit my uncle Chamkor Singh in Atlanta, USA. I always visit Augusta National Golf Club. This club hosts US Masters every year. It’s my childhood dream that one day I will not only play the US Masters, but will also win it.
One important lesson you learnt in your journey?
Aadil: One thing that I have learnt along these years is that without hard work and consistency nothing is possible in life. To be number one in any game, you not only need to work hard but be intelligent and smart too.
Fame or fortune -- rate them in the order your preference?
Aadil: By hard work you need to build your name in the game first. This is how you become famous. Money and perks come automatically.
