17-year-old Indian American Megha Ganne topped the low amateur category in the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open, Times of India reports.
She played in the final group on Sunday with Lexi Thompson, a 26-year-old who started playing in the U.S. Women’s Open at age 12, and Yuka Saso, a 19-year-old Filipino rising star who ultimately won the entire tournament. Ganne is now the first amateur to lead after a round at the U.S. Women’s Open. The last to do so was Jane Park in 2006.
“I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life,” Ganne told Times of India. “It’s everything I’ve wanted since I was little, so it’s just the best feeling.”
Because Ganne played with some of the best female golfers in the world this past weekend, it is easy to forget that she is also an academically driven high school student.
In an interview on Twitter, Ganne recalled how calculus is constantly on her mind. The interviewer asked Ganne if calculus or golf is more difficult. Ganne responded by saying that calculus is probably harder.
“I don’t know how I’m going to manage to fit that into my schedule in the next few days,” Ganne said. “Hopefully my teacher gives me a little bit more time to do that, but yeah, it’s hard to balance both.”
Thankfully, Ganne’s calculus teacher exempted her from the project that awaited her.
Despite being bombarded with a lot of homework while in a tournament with many decorated players, Ganne maintained her composure.
“I think just my ability to play smart and not take any unnecessary risks, and I didn’t panic when I got into the rough a couple of times out there,” Ganne told India West. “Because there are definitely holes I wasn’t keeping in the fairway, and it’s easy to panic out there, and I didn’t do that.”
Now that the tournament is over, Ganne is back to her classroom at Holmdel High School in New Jersey.
“I wish it wasn’t over so quickly,” Ganne said on Saturday night, according to CBS. “It’s been so much fun. I can’t wait to go back out there tomorrow and I’m already counting down the hours until I tee off again.”
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff, or submitting a story or making a contribution.