Golf is often considered to be an elitist sport, and so it’s pretty obvious to automatically have the impression that anyone who plays golf is rich. But what would be your reaction like if we tell you that Nepal’s most accomplished female golfer is a daughter of a greenkeeper?
Meet Pratima Sherpa, the 18-year-old golf sensation.
Both of her parents, Pasang and Kalpana, work as greenkeepers at Royal Nepal Golf Club. The family lives in a maintenance shed that is filled with mowers and course equipment.
Born and raised here, the golf course became her playground as soon as she started to crawl. As she grew up, she started to develop interest in the sport. As she didn’t have access to the golf clubs or any of the equipment needed to play the sport, she started to practice with a makeshift wooden club. And that’s when she was spotted by Sachin Bhattarai, a teaching professional at Royal Nepal Golf Club, who gave her free lessons; as another member donated golf clubs. And as they say, rest is history.
Fast forward to now; Pratima has not only participated and won various tournaments in the country; but her achievements have been so incredible that she received an appreciation letter from one of the greatest golf legends, Tiger Woods, earlier this year in January. It reads, “I wanted to tell you how proud I am of all of your accomplishments. To play at such a high level, and to inspire others, especially young women, is very admirable.”
Pratima’s dream is to represent Nepal at LPGA Tour in future. She also wants to study Golf Management and develop the golf scene in Nepal.
Listen to Pratima’s story from herself in this video by M&S VMAG.
We’re so proud of you, Pratima.
