12 February,2023 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Sundari Iyer
Gauri Karhade in action during Women’s PGA of Australia in Alphington
From watching men play golf while flipping channels during a holiday, to living her childhood dream of teeing off on the greens, Gauri Karhade has come a long way.
Gauri, 19, who secured the 2023-Tour Card to play in the WPGA Tour Australasia, through the LET (Ladies European Tour) Asian Qualifier, is currently on an 80-day trip Down Under to participate in 12 tournaments during the first phase of the WPGA, which ends on April 2; the venues being Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane among others.
The Kharghar Valley Golf Course (KVGC)-trained girl is the only golfer from Maharashtra to qualify for the Australia WPGA. The teenager completed her SSC through National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in 2021. She didn't enroll in a college since she wanted to concentrate on golf. Talking about her realistic aim at the tournament, the JSW-sponsored athlete said: "This is the first time I am visiting Australia. I know it's challenging, but I get to play 12 tournaments. I can hold my breath, get acclimatised, practice well and play. My realistic goal is to try and be in Top 15 in the group by the time the 12th tournament ends."
Recalling her golf journey, Gauri said: "There is an interesting story about how I got into golf. I was eight and on a holiday. I was with my father [Sanjay] watching Doraemon, Tom & Jerry and what not non-stop. After two to three hours, my father begged me to change to any channel but cartoons.
While flipping channels, I saw big guys playing golf. I liked the sight because they were playing in such a big garden [golf course].
"So, I told my father that I too want to play the sport. He said he wouldn't be able to afford it. I kept quiet then. But, before my birthday, my parents were making a list of gifts for me and wanted my suggestions. That's when I told my father not to waste money on gifts or parties. Instead, he could spend money for my training. However, I must appreciate the sacrifices they both have made. My mother [Mitali], in fact, stopped her vocal classical training of almost 10 years from the late, legendary Kishoritai Amonkar," said Gauri, whose coach for the past five years has been Laurence Brotheridge; Chris Pedra, her fitness trainer. Her first coach was Manohar Dhangade from GolfNext Academy in Thane.
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Her short-term goal is to, "stay in the moment, take one thing at a time and go with the flow with patience, consistency, and perseverance."
When asked about her favourite golfer, her response was spontaneous: "The one and only Rory Mcllroy. He is my inspiration, my role model.
"He even appears on my wallpaper, which keeps reminding me where I want to be and motivates me to do better every time I practise and play tournaments," remarked Gauri. Of course, the long-term goal is to represent India at the Olympics and win a medal.
