This past April, I had the honour of representing India and the Indian Golf Union in the Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific Championship in Hokota, Japan.
As I play collegiate golf; prior to the event in Japan, I was representing my university Sacramento State at our conference championship. The following morning I flew out to Japan from California and the time change was an adjustment to say the least. I had one day to prepare for the week and then the tournament began. The course we had the privilege of playing at was the Royal Golf Club. It was in impeccable shape and had some of the purest greens I’ve ever played on.
The course on the first day was worlds apart from what the rest of the week would entail. Sunny skies and little wind, the day allowed the field to shoot some low rounds. The greens were rolling fast and pins were challenging, yet scoreable.
The second day, however, required as many jackets, pants and gloves one could keep on their body. With winds blowing up to 40 kph and gusts even higher, the conditions were poles apart from what we experienced the day before. It was definitely the toughest conditions of play I had experienced in my entire golfing career and the field’s scores reflected that as well. The lowest round the second day was ten strokes higher than the lowest round on the first day.
Having safely made the cut, the third and fourth rounds entailed weather similar to the second round, but not as severe. It was truly a test of golf and of one’s mindset to a large extent. In conditions like this, it was paramount to keep a good attitude in order to go out there and compete.
After the tournament ended, I knew I came out a better player. To have experienced the course, the weather, and competing amongst the top players in the world was a precious experience that I will cherish forever. The R&A, WAAP and the Royal Golf Club hosted a world class event from managing f&b to transport and stay, it was extremely comfortable. It is great to see the direction women’s golf is heading in and it was an honour to be a part of such a well-organized and prestigious event. I hope to be back next year!
About the Author
Nishtha Madan is currently training under Noah Montgomery while studying at the Sacramento State University, where she plays college golf. She is the younger sister of Astha Madan, professional golfer, currently playing on the LET and ALPG Tour and is en-route to joining her soon on the professional ranks.