Siddhi was born and brought up in India, she started golf at a young age of five. Having turned professional at the age of 18 she competed on different women’s tours around the world before training to be a qualified PGA Professional in South Africa.
Her 15 years of competitive experience with multiple wins brings a lot of practical skill and deep insight of the game.
She believes in enjoying yourself through the process of learning, her approach focuses on developing strong fundamental skills, strategic play, and fostering a love for the game in each player. She reckons that each swing is unique and is committed to help golfers of all levels reach their personal best, both on and off the course.
1. You started golf at the age of five in India and turned professional at just 18. What inspired you to pursue the game so seriously from such a young age?
I was introduced to golf by my father, whose passion for the game quickly became a family affair. My sister and I started playing together, with my mother supporting us, and it soon turned into more than just an after-school activity. Over time, I discovered my own love for the sport—the joy of being on the course, the sense of fulfillment, and the unity it brought to our family. That passion kept growing, and by 18, I knew I wanted to pursue golf professionally.
2. Having competed on different women’s tours worldwide, what are some of your standout memories or milestones from your playing career?
Winning will always stand out as a career highlight for me. I’ve been fortunate to win two professional events, both in India, and those victories are very special. While I played a lot of golf during my junior and amateur years, I truly began to enjoy the sport more in my professional days, especially because I was no longer traveling with my parents.
Building friendships on tour with players from around the world made the experience even more rewarding. It allowed me to enjoy the game beyond just performance and results. In fact, simply competing on different tours was a huge milestone in itself. I never imagined I had the “X-factor” to travel abroad, play fearlessly, and compete at that level. So yes—winning was important, but the experience of playing and traveling itself was equally significant.
3. What was the transition like from being a touring professional to becoming a qualified PGA Professional in South Africa?
It happened quite unexpectedly. During Covid, I moved to South Africa, partly because I wanted a change from India and also because I had a long-standing mentor, Paul McKenzie, who ran an academy there. Initially, I saw the PGA program as more of a “side hustle” while I continued playing, since my main goal was to compete on the Sunshine Tour.
Coaching wasn’t really on my radar until after I completed the PGA qualification. I was still playing tournaments in South Africa and India during that time. It was only once I applied for and secured a coaching role that I naturally transitioned into the teaching side of golf.
4. You emphasize enjoying the process of learning in golf. Why is this philosophy so important to you, and how does it influence your teaching style?
If you don’t enjoy the game, you won’t feel motivated to practice, improve, or compete. For me, enjoyment is more important than talent or even hard work, because it fuels the desire to get better.
I encourage students to enjoy not just the victories, but also the process of learning and the hard work behind improvement. Fulfillment comes from embracing the journey, not just the outcome. That belief strongly shapes my teaching style.
5. You often say that “each swing is unique.” How do you balance building strong fundamentals with allowing a golfer’s natural style to shine?
No two golfers have the same body type, athletic ability, or natural movement, so no two swings can ever look identical. As long as the fundamentals—grip, setup, and consistency—are in place, I believe golfers should be allowed to develop their own natural style.
Too often, the focus is only on swing mechanics. But at the end of the day, golf is about getting the ball in the hole. If your fundamentals are solid and your swing works for you, that’s what matters most.
6. How do you approach coaching golfers of different levels – from complete beginners to experienced players?
For beginners, it’s essential to make the game enjoyable from the start. It shouldn’t be overly result-oriented. Group activities, fun games, and social engagement help spark interest, especially for younger players.
For more experienced golfers, it’s about consistency and finding personal fulfillment in practice. I often remind players that practice doesn’t make perfect—perfect practice makes perfect. My approach is always tailored, but the common goal is to help them enjoy the game while improving.
7. With your 15 years of competitive experience, what do you think are the most common challenges amateur golfers face, and how can they overcome them?
For amateurs aiming to transition into the professional circuit, the biggest challenge is often mental rather than physical. Technical skills are important, of course, but mental strength is what separates players.
By mental strength, I mean understanding yourself—playing to your strengths, managing pressure, and avoiding comparisons with others. Golf requires psychological resilience as much as technical ability. Working on the mental side, both on and off the course, can significantly elevate performance.
8. Women’s golf is growing rapidly worldwide. From your perspective, what needs to be done to encourage more women to take up the game in regions like India and the UAE?
The growth has been tremendous. When I began playing in eastern India, there were only two girls, including myself. Today, there are so many juniors and women participating, supported by their families and communities. The growth has been anywhere from 200–500%, which is remarkable.
That said, the perception of golf as a “male-dominated sport” still exists. Continued awareness, visibility, and representation are key to shifting this perception. Women’s golf globally is already playing a major role in this, and I believe we’ll see even more progress in the coming years.
9. Golf is often said to teach lessons beyond the course. What values or life skills do you hope your students carry with them off the fairways?
Golf has shaped my personality in so many ways—it teaches patience, humility, and resilience. The game mirrors life: some days are excellent, others are disappointing, and you must adapt quickly.
It also teaches self-awareness, discipline, and the importance of playing to your strengths. Over four hours on the course, you can see someone’s true character emerge. These lessons extend far beyond sport and help shape how you approach challenges in life.
10. Looking ahead, what are your personal goals – both as a coach and as someone passionate about growing the game globally?
As an Indian woman who has competed internationally and now coaches, I feel strongly about contributing to the growth of women’s golf worldwide. We need more female golfers sharing their journeys, building representation, and inspiring the next generation.
On a personal level, while I am deeply passionate about coaching, I don’t want to lose my competitive edge. My goal for 2026 is to return to tournament play more actively. I believe that continuing to compete makes me a better coach because I truly understand what my students experience on the course.
QUICK FIRE
1. What’s your favourite course in the UAE and why?
I’d have to say the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club especially right after the Hero Dubai Desert classic is held, might be a little biased, but no matter how many times I play it, I still enjoy the challenge every single round.
2. Who’s your golfing role model and why?
When it comes to the golf swing, I really admire Nelly Korda.
I’m obsessed with the flow and ease of her swing—it’s so athletic, effortless, and consistent. It’s truly a dream swing for me.
3. Last time you laughed on a golf course?
Honestly, I don’t practice as much as I used to, so whenever I go out and hit an unexpectedly terrible shot, I just laugh at myself in surprise. It keeps the game light.
4. Favourite golf movie?
It has to be Happy Gilmore 2. I loved the surprise of seeing so many cameos from the golfing world.
