Rhodes embraces India; Tan seeks redemption at Hero Women’s Indian Open
World No. 1 on the Ladies European Tour (LET) Order of Merit, Mimi Rhodes, chose to skip the traditional Pro-Am on Wednesday to explore Delhi and immerse herself in Indian culture ahead of the US$500,000 Hero Women’s Indian Open 2025. The decision, she said, was about “finding balance before a big week.”
Meanwhile, her closest rival in the Order of Merit race, Singapore’s Shannon Tan, took the opposite approach — grinding through the Pro-Am to understand how the DLF Golf & Country Club course has evolved since 2024, when she came within one shot of winning.
The Pro-Am featured familiar faces from both golf and sport. Aaron Rai, a world top-30 player, teed off alongside his wife Gaurika Bishnoi, a three-time top-10 finisher at the HWIO, joined by Dr. Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, and Mr. Pankaj Dinodia. Kapil Dev, India’s cricket legend, also participated, paired with Ridhima Dilawari, Mr. Abhimanyu Munjal, and Mr. Mahavir Singhvi, adding star wattage to the event.
Despite heavy overnight rain, the course staff at DLF ensured play began on schedule, showcasing once again why the venue is considered one of Asia’s best.
Among the Indian contingent, Diksha Dagar looked determined to improve on her 2023 third-place finish, while Tvesa Malik, backed by local support and her husband Ajeetesh Sandhu, balanced preparation with showing her LET peers around Delhi. “It’s fun to share our culture with friends from the Tour,” said Tvesa. “They show us their cities when we play abroad — this week, India gets to host.”
Pranavi Urs, returning from injury, looked confident after her top-five finish in France. Rising names Avani Prashanth, Hitaashee Bakshi and Jasmine Shekar also used the Pro-Am to adapt to the softened course, which is expected to firm up through the week.
Rhodes, a three-time winner this season, reflected on the challenge ahead: “It’s exciting to play somewhere new. The course demands precision — placement off the tee is crucial, and the rain has made the greens more receptive. It’s about adapting and staying sharp.”
Tan, who trails Rhodes by just 209.54 points, is eyeing redemption. “I’ve wanted to come back since losing by one last year,” she said. “The course is softer, but the rough is up. You have to stay on the fairway — it’s still a proper test.”
As the week unfolds, the contrasting approaches of Rhodes and Tan — one soaking in the culture, the other studying the turf — could define who takes control of the season’s biggest storyline.
Photo – LET/Shannon Tan
