Golf enthusiasts are closely watching the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour (WPGT) as the 14th Leg unfolds in Vikarabad. With exceptional performances and intense competition, the tournament is shaping up to be a milestone event for Indian women’s golf. Hitaashee Bakshi, the current leader on the Hero WPGT Order of Merit, is on the brink of an extraordinary feat. If she clinches the title in this leg, she will join an elite club as the second three-time winner of 2024. This achievement will further cement her reputation as a rising star in Indian golf.
Hitaashee Bakshi: Dominance on Display
Hitaashee Bakshi has been the standout player of this leg of the Hero WPGT. She has displayed remarkable consistency and composure, adding a 2-under 70 to her first-round score of 67. This stellar performance has doubled her initial three-shot lead to a commanding six shots, placing her firmly in the driver’s seat as the tournament heads into its final round.
- Key Stats:
- Round 1 Score: 67
- Round 2 Score: 70
- Total Score: 137 (7-under-par)
- Lead: Six shots over her nearest rivals.
Hitaashee’s game has been characterized by strategic precision and sharp putting. She began her second round with five consecutive pars, followed by consecutive birdies on the sixth and seventh holes. Her ability to recover from setbacks was evident when she bounced back with a birdie on the 18th after dropping shots on the 13th and 16th holes. Her steady performance reflects her readiness for larger challenges, including the upcoming Ladies European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage.
The Field: Closest Competitors
Nayanika Sanga and Vidhatri Urs
Trailing six shots behind Hitaashee, Nayanika Sanga and Vidhatri Urs are tied for second place at one-under 143.
- Nayanika’s Round:
- Nayanika’s round was a rollercoaster, featuring six birdies, six bogeys, and six pars. Her aggressive play brought moments of brilliance, especially with four birdies in her first seven holes. However, inconsistency in the final stretch, including bogeys on the last two holes, dented her chances of narrowing the gap with Hitaashee.
- Vidhatri’s Round:
- Vidhatri, the only three-time winner on the Hero WPGT this year, had a mixed second round. Her card included three birdies, one bogey, and a damaging triple bogey on the Par-4 11th hole. This error disrupted her momentum and left her fighting to stay in contention.
Tied for Fourth Place
Three players—Ananya Garg, Shweta Mansingh, and Sneha Singh—are tied for fourth place at 3-over 147. Each of these players demonstrated flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain consistency.
- Ananya Garg:
- Improved her score significantly with a second-round 71 after an opening 76.
- Shweta Mansingh:
- Carded a 75 with four birdies but was set back by two double bogeys.
- Sneha Singh:
- Began strong with a 70 in the first round but faltered with a 77 in the second.
Other Notable Performances
The leaderboard is packed with talent, with several players showcasing competitive performances:
- Amandeep Drall:
- Occupies sole seventh place at 4-over 148 after two consistent rounds of 74.
- Yaalisai Verma and Khushi Khanijau:
- Both are tied eighth at 5-over 149. Yaalisai’s second-round 70 was among the best scores of the day, demonstrating her potential for a strong finish.
- Top Ten Round-Off:
- Rhea Purvi Saravanan finished the second round with a 75, securing a position in the top ten at 151.
The Path to the Order of Merit Milestone
Hitaashee Bakshi’s position at the top of the Hero WPGT Order of Merit reflects her consistent performances throughout the season. Having already won two titles this year, a victory in Vikarabad will elevate her to a rare status as the second player to win three titles in 2024.
Impact on Indian Golf
Such achievements on the domestic tour are critical for Indian golf’s growth. Players like Hitaashee serve as role models for aspiring golfers, demonstrating the potential for success on national and international stages.
The Competition’s Significance
The Hero WPGT serves as a platform for honing skills and preparing for international challenges. The exposure players gain here helps them transition smoothly to larger tours like the Ladies European Tour and LPGA.
The Final Round: What to Watch
The final round promises an exciting finish. With a six-shot lead, Hitaashee is in a strong position, but golf is unpredictable. Key factors to watch include:
- Hitaashee’s Composure:
- Can she maintain her lead under pressure? A steady, error-free round will secure her victory.
- Challenges from the Pack:
- Nayanika and Vidhatri, both capable of low scores, could put pressure on Hitaashee with early birdies.
- Weather and Course Conditions:
- External factors like wind and course setup could influence scoring.
- Emerging Contenders:
- Players like Ananya Garg and Yaalisai Verma, who showed improvement in the second round, might surprise with a strong finish.
Player Profiles: Stars of the Tournament
Hitaashee Bakshi
- Strengths: Accuracy, mental toughness, and sharp putting.
- Career Highlights: Multiple wins on Hero WPGT, consistent performances throughout the season.
- Future Prospects: Expected to excel in international competitions, including the Ladies European Tour Qualifying School.
Nayanika Sanga
- Strengths: Aggressive playstyle, ability to score low in stretches.
- Career Highlights: Solid performances on the Hero WPGT.
- Challenges: Needs to manage consistency and minimize bogeys.
Vidhatri Urs
- Strengths: Experience, resilience, and three wins this season.
- Career Highlights: Current record-holder for most wins in 2024.
- Challenges: Recovering from costly errors in crucial moments.
Hero WPGT: A Breeding Ground for Talent
The Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour is more than a series of tournaments. It is a platform for nurturing talent, encouraging competition, and elevating the profile of women’s golf in India. With each leg, the tour identifies future stars and provides them with opportunities to shine.
- Professional Development: The tour helps players transition from amateur to professional golf.
- International Exposure: Players gain experience and confidence to compete globally.
- Inspiring Young Athletes: Success stories like Hitaashee Bakshi inspire a new generation of golfers.
Conclusion: Hitaashee’s Moment of Glory
As the final round approaches, all eyes are on Hitaashee Bakshi. Her performance in Vikarabad reflects her talent, determination, and readiness for greater challenges. If she holds on to win, she will make history as the second three-time winner of 2024 on the Hero WPGT. More importantly, she will inspire countless aspiring golfers across India.
The tournament’s conclusion will not only determine the champion but also showcase the depth of talent in Indian women’s golf. Whether it’s Hitaashee’s victory, a dramatic comeback from her competitors, or a breakout performance from an underdog, the 14th Leg of the Hero WPGT promises to leave a lasting impact on the sport.
