With T-14th finish at Kia Classic, Aditi Ashok earns a spot in season’s first Major

Aditi Ahosk, an Indian golfer booked a spot in season’s first major for women by turning in a brilliant seven-under 65 to sign off tied at the Kia Classic.

Aditi had saved her best for the after being tied at 20^th overnight, carding 70-72-71 on the first three days. She sent down eight birdies against a bogey in the final round. That took her to 10-under 278, before ending 6 spots behind the winner.

She opened with a birdie before dropping a shot in the sixth. With birdies on 7^th and 9^th, she was able to turn two-under. However, there was no indication of the birdie spree that came on the back nine. Aditi then birdied 11^th, 13^th, 14^th, 16^th and 17^th to gain 5 strokes in last holes.

With a favourable result, she climbed from 87^th to 63^rd spot on the money list and also qualified for the first major. “My game is in a really good place heading into the ANA,” Aditi said. “It’s unfortunate that I wasn’t already in the field (for the ANA Inspiration) before this week. I missed out via the money list from last year by just a few spots. Now that I’m there, I’m sure my game is ready and I’m really looking forward to it. It will be amazing to be at ANA during my birthday week,” she concluded.

At the Bank of Founders Cup in Phoenix, Aditi was able to close with a 68 last week. Aditi began firmly with rounds of 72 and 69 in her rookie season in 2017, but finally finished T-42.