Kodagu girl, 12, creates history with triple golf title win

Madikeri: Ballachanda Aida Thimmaiah, a 12-year-old golfer from Kodagu, has created a national record by winning three titles at the Maharashtra Women’s and Junior Girls’ National-Level Golf Championship conducted by the Indian Golf Union (IGU) at the Willingdon Sports Club, Mumbai, from May 18 to 21.

Competing in the 13–15 age group (category B), Aida also entered the 15–18 age group (category A) and the 18+ women’s category, winning the championship in all three. She is being recognised as the first 12-year-old in Indian golf history to compete across these three categories in the same event and emerge champion in each.

Her latest achievement is notable as it includes victories against significantly older and more experienced players in both the junior A and women’s divisions. Aida said winning under pressure against seasoned competitors was thrilling and described the triple triumph as a major milestone.

With this overall performance, Aida has now entered the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), making her eligible for WAGR-listed events and international ranking progression.

She is home-schooled and focused on golf training and competition. She is the daughter of rallyist Ballachanda Den Thimmaiah and Sanjana Thimmaiah, a native of Virajpet, Kodagu, now based in Bengaluru. Her uncle, Len Aiyappa, is a former Indian hockey player.