Photo via Hindustan Times

How Pranavi’s idol McIlroy helped her win Asian Games golf gold

Pranavi Urs etched her name into Indian sports history by securing gold in the women's individual golf event at the Asian Games, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve the feat. The 23-year-old golfer overcame a shaky start with a triple bogey on the third hole, drawing inspiration from her idol, Rory McIlroy, who had rallied from a poor opening round to win the Masters earlier this year.

Pranavi regrouped with precision, carding three birdies and pars on the remaining holes to finish with a 15-under 265 total. Her disciplined approach, including a strategic club change on the 18th hole, proved decisive as she outplayed competitors like Singapore’s Shannon Tan and China’s Ruoning Yin.

The victory not only marked a personal triumph but also aims to elevate the profile of women’s golf in India, following Aditi Ashok’s fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics. Pranavi, who trains under Australian coach Steven Giuliano, credited mental preparation and patience for her late-game composure, though she admitted the moment passed her by in the heat of competition.

'I was so zoned in that I didn’t realize I was putting for gold,' she said, reflecting on her understated celebration. The win underscores a growing trend of Indian women making their mark in golf on the international stage.

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