Fife (Scotland): Aditi Ashok, who is currently the leader of Indian Golf Union Ladies order of merit, scripted history when she became one of the youngest women amateur players to win the prestigious 54-hole St Rule Trophy at the iconic St Andrews Links here on Friday.

The 17-year old from Bengaluru led from start to finish, and equalled the par-75 New Course women’s amateur record of eight-under 67 in her first round and carded four-under 71 in the second which happened on the same day.

Starting the final round with three shots lead, Aditi shot two-over for the total of 10-under par at the par-76 Old Course to win the tournament by five shots ahead of Bethan Popel of England.

The final day saw mixed weather with heavy overnight rain lingering before the sun came out. She is coached by Steven Guliano from Malaysia. She admitted that Guliano had a major role in her development as a golfer.

Aditi who always dreamt about playing at the Old Course, said: “I have played in England quite a few times and also once at Gullane, so I knew the weather could be bad even at the end of May.

“There were a few short par-fives on the New Course and I capitalised on that as I birdied all of them. I putted really well and missed only one putt within 10 feet.

“Another challenging aspect was the size of greens as some of them were 100 yards long at Old Course.”

She won not only the St Rule Trophy but also the Lawson Trophy for the lowest aggregate by an Under-18 player.

“Winning any title is always special, but winning at St Andrews is something else. It is by far the most special feeling,” said the three-time national junior champion.

Aditi, who is the only Indian golfer to have played the Asian Youth Games, Youth Olympics and Asian Games, said: “There was a certain amount of pressure to perform but I didn’t feel it because playing at Old Course had always been a dream of mine.

“I just enjoyed the feeling of playing there and hitting shots in that wind.”