Neha starts favourite

In-form Kolkatan guns for her fourth successive title

How do we stop Neha Tripathi? That will be the question lingering in the mind’s of 14 other pros when the Hero-KGA Women’s Pro Golf Championship kicks off here on Wednesday.

Following a winless 2012, Neha has been in superb form this season. In seven events so far, the 20-year-old Kolkatan has triumphed on four occasions, completing a hat-trick last week at the Eagleton Golf Resort.

Justly leading the Order of Merit, talented Neha has made the best of Sharmila Nicollet’s absence due to injury and veteran Smriti Mehra’s indifferent form.
Having said that, credit must be given to Neha for not taking things lightly and her hard work before the start of the season has borne fruits.

“I’m really confident and would be gunning for my fourth title on the trot,” said Neha after Tuesday’s practice round. “I struggled with my hitting last week and if I’m am able to get my swing right, I really fancy my chances. It all depends on the first round. If can shoot a decent score, then things would ease up in the next two rounds. The course is playing true and playing at KGA is always a huge challenge.”

One pro who can make things difficult for Neha is Vani Kapoor. After a successful amateur career, Vani made a smooth transition to the pro circuit last year, posting three victories to finish second in the Order of Merit behind Smriti. However, she is yet cross the line first this year, managing just two runner-up finishes.

What will hold her in good stead though is her fine final-round show last week where she shot the event’s best card -- a sizzling four-under -- to indicate her hunger.

“I had two good rounds last week where I shot under-pars. All I need to do is eliminate that bad round. My game is coming together nicely and I’m looking forward for the KGA.”

Smriti, despite struggling completely in Eagleton, can never be discounted and the veteran will be keen to make amends.

As always, the par-72 KGA will pose a stiff test with its narrow fairways and quick greens and the one who manages to master the course will emerge winner.