Brilliant Aditi wins Q-School

Teen secures 2016 LET card

Talented amateur Aditi Ashok capped a stunning season on a spectacular note, triumphing in the Ladies European Tour’s Lalla Aicha Tour School Final Qualifier at Marrakech, Morocco, on Tuesday.

The 17-year-old Bengalurean, who gave her professional ambitions a major fillip after carding a career-best 10-under 62 in the second round, shot two-under 70 to total a whopping 23-under 337 over five rounds and complete a comprehensive three-shot win. Danish golfer Daisy Nielsen (66) finished second at 340.

Aditi, still an amateur, becomes the first Indian -- men or women -- ever to win a Qualifying School event for an international Tour. The win gives Aditi Ashok full playing rights for 2016 on the European Tour and will be the only Indian to have that on LET.

“It’s an amazing feeling because I came into the tournament obviously wanting to give myself a chance to win but also just wanting to play consistent enough to get a card. Winning it and getting a card is just that much better. It’s been my dream ever since I was a kid to turn professional, so it’s great to make the first step in getting there. I’m just 17 but I’m going to try and do my best every week and hopefully have a good rookie year and build my career from there.”

Aditi started the day on a disappointing note, dropping bogeys on second and third holes. A gritty customer, she picked up a birdie on the fifth and then took the turn at one-over for the day. She then scored birdies on the 11th, 15th and 18th to cap off a sensational week.

Aditi has been in great form this year, winning the prestigious St Rule Trophy and Ladies British Amateur Open Stroke Play Championship apart from two victories on the domestic pro tour. She was also the first Indian to play in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters where she finished 38th.