Rise of golf in India — Winter golf essentials — Must-click women’s golf links
By Addie Parker
The IX: Golf Thursday with Addie Parker, Oct. 27, 2022
I was having a conversation with a friend of mine the other day, and we were discussing the best days of the week. We came to the mutual agreement that Thursdays and Saturdays are far more superior than their counterparts. That being said, welcome back to another Golf Thursday people, and as always I’m happy to have you all here with me.
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Last week in my links, I shared a BBC Sports Documentary that I called a must-watch.
‘The Rise of Women’s Golf in India’ takes us through the unique history of golf in the country, to how India may rival Thailand in terms of creating young, global superstars who will take golf by storm one day.
The short documentary was released just days before the Hero Women’s India Open took place last week in Gurgaon, Delhi. The Open began in 2007, and in 2010 it became a sanctioned event for the LET. Since its inception, the event has hosted players like Laura Davies, while also jump starting the careers of many talented young players from India.
Aditi Ashok, a 24 year old golfer, who represented India in last year’s Olympic Games, placed forth behind big time names like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko…no big deal.
At 18, Ashok won the Women’s Indian Open in 2016. In the documentary she says, “when you’re an Indian, there aren’t that many big tour events around you. It was important for me to win that tournament because growing up I had played in that event and it always had winners every year, but I never saw an Indian girl actually win that tournament. So, just to be able to put my name on that trophy meant a lot.”
Ashok’s performance at the Olympics captured the attention of the entire country. Nearly 1.2 billion people were on the edge of their seats awaiting history to be made.
Ashok’s historic showing in Tokyo, combined with COVID sparking a new interest, the golfing landscape in India is changing.
Romit Bose, the president of the Professional Golfers’ Association of India, explains that the post-pandemic shift towards golf is happening because, “the pandemic made us focus on health and fitness. People wanted to take up a new sport. Since golf is played with minimal human contact, it was safe as well. So, we got new entrants.”
Due to its imperialist relationship with Great Britain, India has had a history with golf that spans almost two centuries. The establishment of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club in 1829 is the oldest golf club in the world outside Great Britain.
Unfortunately, golf has always had the connotation that it’s a “rich man’s game”, but the LET and Hero Women’s Indian Open are hoping to change that.
Alexandra Armas, CEO of the LET, outlines in the documentary how the relationship with the Women’s Indian Open can grow with the LET, and exposing more and more young girls to participate in golf.
For a male-dominated, and dare I say highly misogynistic sport like golf to be able to thrive in a patriarchal society like India is remarkable. Golf is already hard enough, but for these young girls to put their hearts and minds towards a goal for no one but themselves is something that needs to be celebrated more often.
If I haven’t convinced you to watch the documentary by now…at least watch Aditi Ashok’s Tokyo highlights, because you’ll learn a thing or two about putting!
See y’all next week.
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This week in women’s golf
If you have links you wish to share for Golf Thursday, sources for golf news, or want to talk about anything at all, you can email me at addieparker25@gmail.com ! Discussion of any kind is always welcome…I mean it…MESSAGE ME!
LPGA News
How Lydia Ko won in Korea and is now the front runner for the POTY award
ICYMI: Final round highlights from the BMW Championship
The best highlight? Seeing Na Yeon Choi getting a hole in one in her final start on tour before retirement.
The BMW Championship, held in Korea was a unique homecoming for players on tour of Korean descent
The final stretch of the season maybe a showdown between Lydia Ko and Atthaya Thitikul
How scoring on the LPGA has changed from top to bottom since Lydia Ko first won 10 years ago
For the social media and press release junkies…this news should make you happy! FREIDA ROTHMAN an official marketing partner for the LPGA in 2023
LET News
Speaking of the Indian Open…Olivia Cowan hits the high spot at the Hero Women’s Indian Open to take home her first Ladies European Tour title
Epson Tour News
NCAA News
After a recession, HBCU golf is on the rise once again — but the hard work isn’t done yet
ANNIKA Award: Final fall watch list for 2022-23 women’s college golf season
Other News
A MUST READ: How golf helped a woman battle through her mastectomies
Five at The IX: The winter golf items you need, for under $50
With cooler temperatures rapidly approaching (and Christmas shopping season), I curated a list of my five essentials for winter golf.
These practical items, all priced either at $50 or below, are great for all golfers, regardless of gender or skill.
You should feel comfortable no matter the place or season!
(Author’s note: click the headings for direct link to the product)
FootJoy Weather Gloves: $23
I absolutely love these FootJoy gloves. They are perfect for a cool and even rainy day. Plus the black poises for a nice little switch up from the traditional white glove we are accustomed to.
Titleist Charleston Cuff Knit: $30
For the golfers who are a bit more traditional, the classic beanie from Titleist will keep you warm without compromising your fashion tastes. If you want to add a little pizazz…click here.
Uniqlo HEATTECH Warm-Lined Pants: $50
Let me let you in on a little secret…most of my actual golf clothes hardly ever come from golf brands. Uniqlo is one of my favorite places to shop for everyday wear, and athletic gear. There HEATTECH technology is comfortable and will last you! If you get two pairs, you’re good for a while! They also offer them in men’s options.
FootJoy ProDry Crew Socks: $10
If my toes are cold — I’m cold! That being said good socks are crucial for winter golf. Average thick socks we wear in other shoes may cause our feet to feel tight in our golf shoes. These FootJoy socks are the perfect thickness level to keep your feet warm, with some added support, too!
Rechargeable Hand Warmer: $28
Finally, this pocket sized treat is perfect for any outdoor activity not just golf! This rechargeable warmer will keep your hands and golf balls nice and cozy in-between shots/holes!
| Mondays: Soccer |
| By: Annie Peterson, @AnnieMPeterson, AP Women’s Soccer |
| Tuesdays: Tennis |
| By: Joey Dillon, @JoeyDillon, Freelance Tennis Writer |
| Wednesdays: Basketball |
| By: Howard Megdal, @HowardMegdal, The Next |
| Thursdays: Golf |
| By: Addie Parker, @addie_parker, The IX |
| Fridays: Hockey |
| By: @TheIceGarden, The Ice Garden |
| Saturdays: Gymnastics |
| By: Lela Moore, @runlelarun, Freelance Writer |
