Aditi Ashok cards sensational nine-under, qualifies for Women's British Open

London: Indian golfer Aditi Ashok, who turned professional barely six months ago, added a big feather to her cap, as she carded a sensational nine-under 66 in the 18-hole Ricoh Women’s British Open Final Qualifying at John O’Gaunt. She finished a whopping three shots ahead of Spain’s Marta Sanz and Annie Park of United States. The Women’s British Open is to be played from July 28 to 31 at Woburn Golf and Country Club. [caption id=“attachment_2556640” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File photo of Aditi Ashok. Getty Images[/caption] The Indian played solidly on the par-fives with three birdies and an eagle and that set the magnificent round. Her qualification for the British Open also gives her great preparation before the Olympics where the women’s competition will be held from August 17 to 20. Aditi becomes only the second Indian after Simi Mehra to play the Women’s British Open and it will be huge step for the young golfer from Bengaluru. “This is going to be my first Major so I’m really looking forward to it,” said the 18-year-old Aditi, who got into the qualifier with her ranking of 39th on LET. In fact, Aditi bogeyed her first hole and was one-over after four holes. She then went on an overdrive with eight birdies and an eagle in the next 14 holes. “It took me a couple of holes to settle,” admitted the Indian who won last year’s St Rule Trophy and Ladies’ British Amateur Stroke Play Championship before turning professional after winning the Ladies European Tour Lalla Aicha Qualifying School in Morocco. “I shot nine-under today. I started with a bogey because I hooked my tee shot and missed 10 footer for par. I also hooked my tee shot on 3rd hole but I made up and down for par from 100 yards. After that I made birdies on fifth, sixth and seventh which gave me a momentum. Holes five and six were reachable par 5s and I made chip and putt on both so that gave me my rhythm back. I holed a 15 footer on 7th,” Aditi said summarizing her round. “After that I made birdie on 12 and 13. I holed a 30-footer on 12th. Hole 13 was another reachable par 5 so I made chip and putt for birdie. I made eagle on par 5 15th with a 3-rescue to 10 feet. Then I hit 8 iron to 5 feet on par 3 16th and made another birdie. I birdied the par 5 17th with a 20-footer from off the green. And I finished by holing a 20-footer on par 4 18th. I played the par 5s well which was the key for me.” Another of the best rounds of the day came from English Curtis Cup player Bronte Law who used a combination of old and borrowed clubs to card a five-under par 70 and share fourth place with American duo Amelia Lewis and Cydney Clanton.