Women's Golf Association of India

June – Joys of Golf

All eyes turned to Vieux-Gnappe in Belgium this June — a quaint clubhouse and a majestic golf course with wide fairways that stood in sharp contrast to the narrow layouts of Tenerife the previous week. The Hulencourt Ladies Open, held in this mystic town steeped in history from the Battle of Waterloo and home to Napoleon’s last headquarters museum, added a touch of grandeur to the event.

India’s rising star, 18-year-old Avani Prashanth, opened strong with a score of 68, holding the lead through 54 holes. Ultimately, the title went to talented Welsh golfer Darcy Harry, who shot a final round 68 and clinched victory at -13. Two back-to-back moments of brilliance — an eagle followed by a birdie — propelled her to the top. France’s Natasia Nadaud finished second at -10. Though Avani's final round of 75 dimmed her chances, her top-5 finish and stunning 65-foot putt on the 14th during day three underscored her potential and poise.

The championship trophy, uniquely designed with the face of an owl, was inspired by the 200 species of owls inhabiting the countryside surrounding the course. Among other Indian contenders, two-time Olympian Diksha Dagar finished 23rd at -1, while Tvesa Malik placed 46th at +5.

June brought back-to-back events on the Ladies European Tour, offering valuable exposure to Indian players. At the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open held at Royal Beroun Golf Club, eight Indian golfers competed in a field of 132. Amandeep Drall’s brilliant opening score of 64 placed her in the early lead. In a highly competitive cut line, 68 players finished under par. Indian golfers Hitaashee Bakshi (-4), Sneha Singh (-3), and three others tied at 46th after posting 7-under over the tournament — a testament to the elevated scoring standards at Beroun. With a return to calm after recent conflict in the region, nine Indian players are set to tee off at the Amundi German Masters from June 26–29 at Green Eagle Golf Courses.

Meanwhile, anticipation is building for WGAI’s flagship event, the Hero Women’s Indian Open, returning for its 17th edition. Scheduled for October 6–13 at DLF Golf and Country Club, this prestigious tournament will offer a prize purse of USD 500,000.

Back home in New Delhi, the Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI) continued its community efforts. Board member Mrs. Madhushree Birla generously donated golf clubs to six young golfers from the village of Jiandali in Punjab’s Phillaur district — a heartening example of outreach and development.

In a landmark development, WGAI, PGTI, IGU, and Bharat Golf representatives met with the Honourable Minister for Sports to advance the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) initiative. Designed as a game changer for the sport in India, the inaugural season — featuring player and team auctions — is scheduled for January 2026.

Equally promising is the growing footprint of Junior Training Programs across the country, many aligned with school vacations, encouraging more young talents to step onto the fairways.

Champika Sayal
June 2025