Gauri Monga had the local fans spellbound with the best-ever finish by an Indian individual in the history of the Queen Sirikit Cup. Despite a stunning 20-foot birdie on the 18th, Gauri lost out on third place on countback, as Korea’s Ji Hee Kim birdied the 17th and parred the 18th for a 69, while Gauri carded a 70. Her performance also helped India finish fourth in the team standings, equalling the Indian team’s performance of 1986. The Indian team’s total of 442 was its best ever.
The 17-year-old is undoubtedly the most remarkable amateur woman golfer on the Indian circuit today. Monga, who is studying in Class XI at 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 some less-known facts about herself. Excerpts:
ISN: You are the most consistent amateur woman golfer in India. You were also named the Rolex Ladies Player of the Year. How does it feel?
Gauri: It feels good. I am privileged to win awards of such magnitude, and it also keeps you focused and motivates you to perform better.
ISN: What is the secret behind your consistency?
Gauri: Oh, it’s just that I keep myself grounded. I do not let myself get carried away by all the success. Also, there are many players coming in every year, making the competition tougher. This kind of intense competition keeps me pumped up throughout.
ISN: You were banned for four months. What was the reason and how has it affected you?
Gauri: As amateurs, we are not supposed to have any sponsors. I had a 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 number one when I came out of the ban. The ban also created a sense of vengeance in me and I started performing better.
ISN: What brought you to golf?
Gauri: Golf is in my genes. My mum 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?
Gauri: Tiger Woods. He has been truly phenomenal throughout, and it is always a pleasure to watch him.
ISN: If not golf, what would have been your choice of career?
Gauri: It would have been something related to design, like fashion design or interior design.
ISN: You have also played alongside the pros. How does it feel?
Gauri: It feels really good. The pros have a different view of the whole game. The way they perceive things and look at them is so different. You get to learn a lot.
ISN: What are your upcoming plans?
Gauri: I am planning to join US college golf.
ISN: You are studying in Class XI. How do you manage?
Gauri: Do not ask me 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?
Gauri: In my free time I listen to music or just talk on the phone. And yes, I also like sleeping. I could sleep forever.
ISN: Any plans of turning pro in the near future?
Gauri: As of now, I do not have any such plans. I am happy playing as an amateur.
ISN: Do you have any superstitions on the course?
Gauri: 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?
Gauri: It is in the developing stage. But the lack of proper sponsors does hold back its development at times. We need more sponsors and more people like Siddharth Sriram to support the cause of women’s golf in India.
