Thirteen-year-old amateur golfer Ojaswini Saraswat has made history at the Hero Women’s Indian Open, becoming the youngest player to successfully make the cut at the prestigious tournament. The teenager, competing in her first-ever professional event, secured her spot for the weekend rounds at the DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurgaon, following a remarkable performance during the second round on Friday.
Saraswat’s journey to the weekend was not without challenge. She began the tournament with an opening round of seven-over 79, which initially placed her in a difficult position. According to her father, Om, the presence of renowned players such as Aditi Ashok, Pranavi Urs, and Vani Kapoor, alongside various international competitors, initially created a sense of anxiety for the young amateur. However, she was encouraged to play freely and leverage the guidance of her mentor, Arjuna awardee Harmeet Kahlon, who helped bolster her confidence before the second day of play.
The turnaround was decisive. Aiming for a level-par performance to keep her tournament hopes alive, Saraswat shot a three-under 69, including birdies on her final three holes. This performance placed her in a tie for 26th position heading into the final stages. Speaking after the round, Saraswat expressed her belief in her ability to qualify even after the challenging start and stated that her goal is now to secure a top-10 finish in the event.
The significance of her achievement is notable in the history of the sport. The Ladies European Tour confirmed that Saraswat is the second-youngest player to ever make a cut in any of its events, trailing only Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn. Furthermore, she surpassed the previous Indian Open record held by Aditi Ashok, who reached the milestone at age 14 in 2012. Her inclusion in the field was solidified after she reached the top four of the amateur standings in the Women’s Golf Association of India rankings on September 29.
Saraswat’s introduction to golf began early, with her parents encouraging the sport when she was just four years old. Finding equipment for a child of that age proved difficult, prompting her father, a businessman, to modify clubs designed for older children so she could use them. Despite neither parent having a background in golf, they have supported her development extensively, managing the complexities of her training and tournament schedules. The family currently balances her professional development with her academics, as the young golfer maintains her studies through tuition while traveling for competitions.
The family remains focused on her long-term development rather than an immediate move to professional status. Her father noted that they intend for her to remain an amateur for at least another two years to build the necessary mental toughness required for high-pressure, professional fields. Regarding her long-term aspirations, Saraswat, a self-described fan of Rory McIlroy, has stated that her ultimate ambition is to represent India at the Olympics and secure a victory.
Having previously finished as a runner-up at the 2024 US Kids World Championship at Pinehurst and earning a silver medal at the US Kids European Championship, Saraswat is already gaining recognition in the junior circuit. Her participation at the DLF Golf & Country Club marks her debut on a professional stage, a venue that has provided the young athlete with a significant challenge in her first experience on the course designed by Gary Player.
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