AI Generated Summary
- The Chandigarh-based golfing prodigy became the youngest Indian to make the cut at a Ladies European Tour (LET) event, achieving the milestone at the prestigious DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram.
- It also places her among the youngest players to have made the cut in a Ladies European Tour event, making her the second-youngest to achieve the feat.
- At an age when most young golfers are still finding their footing in competitive tournaments, 13-year-old Ojaswini Saraswat has announced her arrival on the international golfing stage with a historic performance at the Hero Women’s Indian Open.
Young golfing prodigy becomes the youngest Indian to make the cut at a Ladies European Tour event with a remarkable second-round comeback
At an age when most young golfers are still finding their footing in competitive tournaments, 13-year-old Ojaswini Saraswat has announced her arrival on the international golfing stage with a historic performance at the Hero Women’s Indian Open.
The Chandigarh-based golfing prodigy became the youngest Indian to make the cut at a Ladies European Tour (LET) event, achieving the milestone at the prestigious DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram. Competing against an accomplished field of international professionals, Ojaswini displayed remarkable composure and determination to secure her place in the final two rounds of the championship.
Her achievement was made all the more impressive by the manner in which she recovered from a difficult opening round. Having begun her campaign with a seven-over-par 79, the young amateur faced an uphill task on the second day. However, what followed was a remarkable turnaround that underlined both her technical ability and her growing confidence on the big stage.
Ojaswini returned a superb three-under-par 69 in the second round, producing one of the standout performances of her fledgling career. Her round featured birdies on all four par-three holes, followed by a stunning finish in which she birdied the final three holes consecutively.
The late surge helped her finish the opening 36 holes at four-over-par, placing her tied 26th on the leaderboard and comfortably securing her passage into the weekend rounds.
For a golfer competing as an amateur invitee in a tournament featuring experienced professionals, the accomplishment represents a significant step forward. It also places her among the youngest players to have made the cut in a Ladies European Tour event, making her the second-youngest to achieve the feat.
Ojaswini’s journey to this milestone began on the golf courses of Chandigarh and Mohali, where her talent became evident at an unusually early age. By the time she was six, she had already established an impressive competitive record, winning 15 of the 17 tournaments she entered. Among those victories was the US Kids Big 5 South African Open Invitational Tournament.
Her progression through junior golf has since been marked by notable performances on the international circuit. In 2024, she finished runner-up at the US Kids World Championship in Pinehurst and secured a silver medal at the US Kids European Championship, further strengthening her reputation as one of India’s most promising young golfers.
Having previously trained under Arjuna Award-winning golfer Harmeet Kahlon, Ojaswini currently sharpens her skills at the Roundglass Golf Academy. Her entry into the Hero Women’s Indian Open came through her standing among the leading eligible Indian players in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
Her father, Om Saraswat, expressed pride in the achievement while emphasising the importance of the experience for her development.
“She has been playing golf for a long time now and won some famous titles. However, this is something really amazing. She played well under tough conditions and amid her seniors. I hope she learns a good lesson from this event and carries the momentum forward,” he said.
The tournament also featured another amateur golfer from the region, Guntas Kaur Sandhu, who successfully made the cut after recording an even-par second round. Sandhu, however, subsequently withdrew from the competition owing to personal reasons.
For Ojaswini, the Hero Women’s Indian Open was more than an opportunity to compete alongside established names in international golf. It provided a valuable test of temperament, course management and competitive resilience at a level considerably higher than the junior tournaments in which she has already enjoyed considerable success.
Her second-round performance, particularly the three consecutive birdies under pressure, demonstrated an ability to respond when the stakes were highest.
While her golfing journey is still in its early stages, the milestone in Gurugram has added a significant chapter to an already promising career. From the fairways of Chandigarh and Mohali to competing successfully against seasoned international professionals, Ojaswini’s rise offers an encouraging glimpse into the next generation of Indian women’s golf.
At just 13, she has already achieved something few golfers manage so early in their careers. The challenge now will be to build on that experience as she continues her journey towards the highest levels of the sport.
