As long as I inspire younger kids to take up golf, I have done my best: Aditi Ashok

Has it sunk in that you are the first Indian woman to win Indian Open?

Yes, I think it has. To win in my rookie year and also have my first win in my home open feels special.

What does it mean to you and what can it do to your golfing career?

It was a goal of mine to win in my rookie year and now I have entered the winner's circle, so that's nice. I am now leading in the Rookie of the Year race and I hope I win that as that too is one of my goals.

Can you share your Rio Olympic experience? How was playing golf in an Olympic event different from your regular tournaments?

I got to represent my country as a professional and play with the best players in the world. So, Rio Olympics was a great experience.

You are only 18 and turned pro this year. How has the transformation from an amateur to pro been?

I had played a lot of LET events and an LPGA event as an amateur. So, the change wasn't very big for me. Still, it is a lot of travelling and playing in different countries. That way, it is challenging but also lots of fun.

What are the challenges you face being an Indian woman taking to golf? Like other prominent Indian sportswomen, do you think you can inspire young girls to take to golf?

I think golf, and women's golf in particular, has been growing in the past few years. But, it can definitely become bigger in India. I think I have to focus on my goals, on my game and keep progressing. And as long as I do that and I inspire some younger kids to take up the game, then I have done my best.

Did you have a normal childhood and were you able to do girls your age normally did or did you have to sacrifice a lot in your childhood to concentrate on golf?

I had a very interesting childhood because I started playing golf at the age of five-and-a-half and travelled for tournaments from the age of seven along with other kids my age. I remember playing my first round of golf at the age of six years and two months and wanting to play more. So, golf was always fun for me and it still is. So, I'm enjoying it.

Is there rivalry among your woman golfers?

I always try to play better than I did the previous day and compete against the course.

Who has been your inspiration?

I always looked up to Annika Sorenstam because she was one of the most dominant players in the game and she had a great golf swing.

What has been the turning point of your career?

The last year of my amateur career was definitely a turning point with four wins and ending as world No. 11 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

I think myself.

What are your ambitions in golf?

To compete and contend on the LPGA every week and play with the best players in the world.

Do you have time to follow other sports? Who are your favourite sportspersons?

I watch a lot of golf, tennis and basketball. I like Roger Federer and try to be calm and composed like him.

Are you happy with the way 2016 has gone for you? What are your goals for the coming year?

I have had a good year with four top-tens and now a win. I still have a couple of events coming up and I want to do well in both of them so I can move up on the Order of Merit and win Rookie of the Year. I am also playing LPGA Q School, so I hope I can qualify and play on the LPGA next year.