By Tanya Goonewardene
Ahalya Rajan who hails from Kandy recently played for Victoria Golf & Country Resort won the 11th Victoria Golf and Country Resort, Digana championship. A sedated, calm personality who is reluctant to give too much information, she agreed to sit down with me for a brief chat on her take on golf and what the sport means to this young ambitious lady not only as a sport but the lessons it teaches her.
- WHAT DOES YOUR RECENT VICTORY MEAN TO YOU?
It’s an achievement. I’m happy to see my hard work paying off but it’s also wonderful to be playing with such greats on the course. Even though I might be alone when I tee up, it’s not without the support of everyone who encourages me that has got me to this place.
- HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO GOLF?
It was more out of curiosity and a way to use some spare time effectively. I wanted to get some “me” time away from the normal routine. I never expected it to be anything more than a past time, so to be major winning tournaments is very surprising for me.
- DO YOU FEEL, THERE IS A THERAPEUTIC VALUE TO THIS SPORT?
Absolutely. Golf is a demanding sport, both physically and mentally. You can’t be out there worrying about anything happening in your life. Your only focus is on the ball and the strategy to sink it. You are your own opponent in this sport. This forces you to block everything else out, which is very calming and exhilarating at the same time. It’s almost like yoga or meditation.
- DO YOU HAVE AN IDOL AND WHY?
For me it would be Tiger Woods in golf .he is the golf icon .He never gives up no matter what the challenges he faces. His recent victory shows that despite of his injuries and surgeries he is back and we will hear about more wins from him.
- WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE AS A GOLFER?
My biggest challenge is managing myself. You are not the same every day. Everytime you play you have to strategize differently. It’s hard to change your swing, your posture, your flexibility or even your mental frame of mind. This all takes hours and hours of practice, and a lot of dedication.
- IS THERE A TRUTH TO GOLF BEING CREDITED AS A PREMIUM NETWORKING SPORT?
It’s definitely a good way to meet people, and there are opportunities to network. In the past, only people who could afford the green fees and golf equipment etc would take up the sport so perhaps this statement was true earlier. But now, I’m happy to see it becoming more inclusive to people of all backgrounds
- WHAT IS YOUR MEMORABLE GOLF EXPERIENCE?
I have so many good memories I can’t pick just one .We have some team golf events in our golfing calendar and it is always fun to play alongside my teammates and we always have a good laugh and enjoy each other’s company even though the game does not go our way.
- WHAT GOES GOLF MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?
Golf is a hobby. I would love to pursue it and become a single handicapper someday .Many days before I get there, but it’s something I want to achieve. It’s a great journey every single time I’m on the course, and I enjoy the camaraderie of all those I play alongside with.
- ARE THERE ANY LIFE LESSONS IT TEACHES YOU?
If you put your mind to it, anything is possible.
- WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO A JUNIOR GOLFER OR SOMEONE THINKING OF INVESTING IN THE GAME?
Go for it and have fun. It’s not just about winning trophies. Get out onto the course, enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air, and challenge yourself.