India’s Diksha Dagar had a tournament to forget at the Aramco Team Series 2024. After a lackluster start in the first round with a 76, she needed a low score in the second round to make the cut. Unfortunately, her struggles continued. A four-over 77 dashed her hopes, and she missed the cut in the Individual competition.
A Day of Struggles
Diksha started her second round with high hopes, but things didn’t go as planned. She managed just one birdie the entire day. That birdie came early in the round, giving her a brief moment of optimism. However, her performance on the backstretch ruined any chances of a comeback.
Four bogeys on the back nine added to her misery. She found it hard to find fairways and greens, leading to costly errors. The slow greens and tricky pin positions made putting a nightmare for her. She couldn’t regain her rhythm, and the bogeys kept piling up.
Her front nine wasn’t spectacular either. Although she avoided major mistakes, she couldn’t capitalize on scoring opportunities. As the round progressed, it became clear that making the cut was slipping away.
Team Competition: A Decent Show, but Not Enough
Diksha’s struggles were mirrored in the team event as well. She was part of a four-member team alongside Sweden’s Moa Folke, China’s Xinyu Cao, and Ding. The team gave a spirited performance but could only finish 12th in the standings. While not a complete disaster, it was far from the top-three finish they had hoped for.
The highlight of their team’s performance came courtesy of Moa Folke. She pulled off a stunning hole-in-one on the Par-3 eighth hole. It was a moment of brilliance amidst a sea of struggles for the team. Folke’s shot was perfect—a high draw that landed softly on the green and rolled into the cup. It was the spark that lifted the team’s spirits momentarily.
However, the consistency needed in team events was lacking. With Diksha struggling and the others unable to pick up the slack consistently, the team finished outside the top 10. They needed to avoid mistakes and put up a stronger performance in the final round. Despite a few bright spots, they couldn’t overcome their weaknesses.
Individual Leaderboard: A Tight Battle at the Top
While Diksha battled her own issues, the top contenders lit up the course with spectacular performances. China’s Xiyu Lin and France’s Celine Boutier led the way, ending the second round tied at the top on 12-under-par. Lin, the defending champion, fired another solid round of 67 (-6). She racked up seven birdies and a single bogey, maintaining her grip on the leaderboard.
Boutier, a five-time LET winner, was equally impressive. She followed her sensational first-round 66 (-7) with a bogey-free 68 (-5). Her consistent performance set her up perfectly for a final day showdown with Lin.
China’s Wenbo Liu also showcased her class. She carded a 68 (-5) in the second round, moving to outright third place on nine-under-par. Liu’s precise iron play and deft touch on the greens made her a strong contender heading into the final round.
The Race for Fourth Place
With Lin, Boutier, and Liu pulling away, the race for fourth place became a contest of its own. Six players finished the day tied at eight-under-par, including France’s Pauline Roussin-Bouchard. She delivered the round of the day with a blistering 66 (-7), clawing her way up the leaderboard.
Roussin-Bouchard’s round was a display of near-perfect golf. She was aggressive off the tee, precise with her irons, and flawless with her putting. Her round featured birdies in bunches, with three consecutive birdies on the front nine setting the tone. A few more on the back nine put her in contention for a podium finish.
Alongside her, the group tied at fourth included seasoned names and rising stars. Each one put on a show, and it set up a thrilling final day where every stroke would matter.
What Went Wrong for Diksha?
Diksha’s game seemed off right from the start. Her driving accuracy was below par, leading to tough second shots from the rough. She couldn’t find her range with the irons, and that left her with longer putts than she would have liked.
Her putting, which is usually a strength, deserted her. She struggled to read the greens, resulting in several three-putts. Her confidence took a hit, and she couldn’t find a way to turn it around. Each bogey seemed to deflate her further, making the recovery even harder.
Diksha will need to work on her iron play and putting to bounce back in future tournaments. Her talent is undeniable, but consistency has been an issue. If she can fix those aspects, she can be a serious contender in upcoming events.
Lin and Boutier: A Rivalry in the Making?
Xiyu Lin and Celine Boutier have been at the top of women’s golf for a while now, and their rivalry seems to be blossoming. Lin’s aggressive play and Boutier’s calm, strategic approach make for an exciting contest. Both have different styles, yet they achieve similar results.
Lin is known for her distance and fearless approach. She attacks pins even when the percentage play would be to play safe. This strategy has earned her a lot of birdies but has also cost her bogeys.
Boutier, on the other hand, plays a more conservative game. She focuses on keeping the ball in play and giving herself good birdie chances. Her bogey-free round in the second round showcased her ability to play clean, mistake-free golf.
Their duel on the final day promises to be a treat. It’s a classic contest of aggression versus precision, and either could emerge victorious. Given the form they’ve shown, it could go down to the wire.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Diksha?
For Diksha Dagar, missing the cut at the Aramco Team Series is a setback, but it’s not the end of the road. She has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, and her mental strength is well-documented. The key for her will be to take the lessons from this tournament and apply them in the next.
She’ll need to tighten up her game, especially around the greens. Her putting woes were a major issue, and working on that aspect should be a priority. If she can improve her short game, it would take a lot of pressure off her long game.
Diksha also needs to find a way to build momentum early in her rounds. Starting slow has been a recurring issue. If she can find a way to get off to better starts, it will boost her confidence and allow her to play more freely.
This experience will hopefully serve as motivation. She has the talent to compete with the best, and with a few tweaks, she could be in the mix for titles again.
Highlights and Moments to Remember
While Diksha’s performance was a disappointment, the tournament itself had its fair share of memorable moments. Moa Folke’s hole-in-one on the Par-3 eighth was one such moment. The shot was a perfect example of precision and execution. Folke celebrated the shot with a smile that lit up the course, and it provided a highlight for the fans.
Xiyu Lin’s dominance was another talking point. Her ability to string together low scores consistently is a testament to her skill and mental fortitude. She has positioned herself as a favorite for the Individual title, and it will be exciting to see if she can hold on.
Celine Boutier’s calm, composed demeanor also stood out. Her bogey-free round was a masterclass in course management. She never looked rushed or flustered, and that kept her in contention.
Final Thoughts
The Aramco Team Series 2024 has been a thrilling spectacle so far. The players have showcased their skills, and the competition has been fierce. As we head into the final day, all eyes will be on the top contenders to see who can come out on top.
For Diksha Dagar, this tournament will serve as a learning experience. Every golfer has ups and downs, and it’s about how you respond that matters. She has the talent to bounce back, and fans will be eager to see her do just that.
The battle between Xiyu Lin and Celine Boutier is shaping up to be one for the ages. With both playing at the peak of their powers, it’s anyone’s guess who will take home the trophy. But one thing’s for sure—the final round will be a must-watch.
As for the team event, it will be a matter of consistency and teamwork. The teams that can hold their nerve under pressure will rise to the top. With all the drama and excitement, the Aramco Team Series 2024 is living up to expectations and then some.
